By Ibrahim Bello

Merchants from Jega Local Government Area, Kebbi, have commended President Bola Tinubu for approving the establishment of Tsamiya Dry Port on the Nigeria-Benin Republic border.

Speaking on behalf of the traders, Alhaji Nasiru Dan-Musa, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade and Commerce, made the commendation when the traders paid a solidarity visit to Gov. Nasir Idris on Sunday in Birnin Kebbi.

He said the dry port would allow the merchants to bring in their goods directly from Benin Republic without routing them through Niger Republic at additional costs.

“We commend President Tinubu for the establishment of the dry port in Tsamiya, and Gov. Nasir Idris for facilitating its take-off.

“The port will certainly be a major relief that will ease import and export of goods at reduced costs,” he said.

Dan-Musa stated that Jega had maintained its status as an economic and trading hub since its founding, and pledged the loyalty of the people to the governor.

“We cherish your support to boost commerce and trade in Jega as well as develop the town into a big cosmopolitan society,” he said.

On his part, Alhaji Kabir Labbo-Jega, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, urged the Governor to disregard unwholesome remarks against his administration, describing them as falsehood laced with politics.

“Your Excellency, the entire inhabitants of Jega are in support of your government, policies and programmes.

“We also appeal to you to prevail on President Tinubu to complete the Independent Power Project at Kalgo-Basaura to enhance electricity supply for industrial development,” he appealed.

Labbo-Jega commended the governor for expending N17 billion on Jega’s urban development projects.

In his response, Idris expressed gratitude to the people of Jega for their solidarity and assured them of his commitment to promote trade and investment in the town.

“I will talk to Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano State to include Jega traders in the Kano Chamber of Commerce, and we will also strengthen the Kebbi Chamber of Commerce to enhance its economic impact,” he said.

The governor also pledged to carry the traders along in his investment drives and urged the people to unite for the progress of the state.

“Kebbi is our collective state; we must join hands to make it great and ignore detractors whose only penchant is ill-will and retrogression,” Idris said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani