Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has identified Nigeria’s North Central region as a major catalyst for the nation’s non-oil export growth, citing its rich mineral endowments and vast agricultural potential.
Speaking at the commissioning of the new 250-seater Senator George Akume Conference Centre at the North Central Zonal Office of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) in Jos, Akume said the region has what it takes to drive Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda if logistics and transport infrastructure continue to improve.
“With improved logistics infrastructure, this region can become a key driver of Nigeria’s diversification agenda,” the SGF declared.
He praised the Nigerian Shippers’ Council and the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy for their “commitment and vision” in advancing the nation’s logistics and maritime systems, describing the newly commissioned edifice as “a statement of vision and a reflection of the renewed energy driving Nigeria’s port and logistics system under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
Akume stressed that robust infrastructure remains the foundation of sustainable economic growth, noting that efficient ports, roads, railways, and dry ports are the “arteries through which the lifeblood of commerce flows.”
According to him, the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda prioritises investment in critical transport and trade infrastructure — from coastal areas to inland regions — to enhance national connectivity and competitiveness.
“We are building an economy that thrives on connectivity,” Akume said.
“An economy where a farmer in Benue can ship produce seamlessly to Lagos Port, and an exporter in Jos can access global markets without unnecessary bottlenecks.”
He commended the Executive Secretary of the Shippers’ Council, Barrister Pius Akuta, for the agency’s efforts in regulating port economics and fostering fairness, efficiency, and innovation in Nigeria’s maritime sector. Akume particularly highlighted the Council’s strides in bridging the gap between seaports and inland areas through the establishment of Inland Dry Ports and zonal coordination offices.
The SGF added that the newly commissioned conference centre would serve as a hub for stakeholder engagement, policy dialogue, and capacity building within the country’s maritime and logistics ecosystem.
Akume also called for deeper collaboration between government, the private sector, development partners, and host communities to sustain infrastructure development efforts.
“Government cannot achieve this vision alone,” he said. “Let us view infrastructure not merely as government projects, but as national assets that require protection, maintenance, and innovation.”
● Source: Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation
Media Contact: Yomi Odunuga, Special Adviser (Media and Publicity)
Date: October 28, 2025
