The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has said the vast economic potential of the northcentral is vital to the country’s non-oil exports.
A statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yomi Odunuga, quoted Akume as sàying the region’s rich mineral deposits and strong agricultural base give it a strategic advantage in driving national economic diversification.
The SGF noted that with sustained improvements in logistics and transport infrastructure, the Northcentral could play a leading role in boosting Nigeria’s non-oil export sector.
Akume spoke in Jos, the Plateau State capital, while inaugurating the Senator George Akume’s 250-seater conference centre at the northcentral zonal office of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC).
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“With improved logistics infrastructure, this region can become a key driver of Nigeria’s diversification agenda,” he said.
Speaking as the special guest of honour, Senator Akume hailed the Nigerian Shippers’ Council and the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy for what he called “a testament to commitment and vision” in strengthening Nigeria’s logistics and maritime system.
“This edifice 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 port and logistics system under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Akume said.
The SGF said across the world, economic progress is built on solid infrastructure, 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 Ahmed Tinubu, was prioritising investment in critical transport and trade infrastructure across all regions of the country — from the coastlines to the hinterlands — to boost connectivity and competitiveness.
“We are building an economy that thrives on connectivity.
“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 added.