Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, has said the vast economic potential of Nigeria's North Central region positions it as a strong hub to drive the country's non-oil export growth.
Akume said this while inaugurating the Senator George Akume 250-seater conference center at the North Central Regional Office of the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) in Jos, the Plateau State capital.
He said the region's rich mineral reserves and strong agricultural base give it a strategic advantage in pursuing national economic diversification.
However, the North Central region, widely recognized for its vast potential in agriculture and solid minerals, has faced significant security challenges in recent years.
Akum expressed hope that with continued improvements in security, logistics and transportation infrastructure, the sector can play a leading role in promoting Nigeria's non-oil export sector.
“With improved logistics infrastructure, the sector can become a key driver of Nigeria’s diversification agenda,” he said.
Akume commended the Nigerian Shippers Council and the Ministry of Maritime and Blue Economy in strengthening Nigeria's logistics and maritime system, which he described as “proof of commitment and foresight.”
SGF said, “This building is not just a building; it is a statement of vision, a testament to commitment, and a reflection of the renewed energy driving Nigeria's ports and logistics system under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
Around the world, economic progress is based on solid infrastructure, he said, adding that efficient ports, roads, railways and dry ports “are the arteries through which the lifeblood of commerce flows.”
Akume reiterated that the Federal Government, under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, is prioritizing investment in critical transport and trade infrastructure in all regions of the country from the coastline to the hinterland to boost connectivity and competitiveness.
“We are building an economy that thrives on connectivity,” he said.
“An economy where a farmer from Benue can ship his produce to Lagos Port seamlessly, and an exporter from Jos can access global markets without unnecessary barriers.”
SGF commended the Shippers Council, led by its Executive Secretary Pius Akuta, for its role as a port economic regulator to promote fairness, efficiency and innovation in the maritime sector.
He appreciated the Council's effort in bridging the gap between ports and inland areas, particularly through the development of inland dry ports and regional coordination offices.
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According to him, the newly commissioned conference center will serve as a hub for stakeholder engagement, policy dialogue and capacity building, thereby strengthening Nigeria’s maritime and logistics ecosystem.
Therefore, he called for stronger partnerships between the government, private sector, development partners and host communities to sustain the gains of infrastructure development.
“The government alone cannot achieve this goal,” he stressed. “Let us see infrastructure not just as government projects, but as national assets that require protection, maintenance and innovation.”
