Progress Update on the Development of Vehicle Transit Areas and Transport Infrastructure in Adamawa State

In 2019, the Adamawa State Government sought collaboration with the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) to facilitate the development of Vehicle Transit Areas (VTAs) and other transport infrastructure within the state. The Nigerian Shippers Council, a parastatal under the Federal Ministry of Marine & Blue Economy, serves as the Port Economic Regulator and is responsible for the establishment of Inland Dry Ports, VTAs, Border Information Centres, and other critical transport infrastructure across Nigeria.

Following this collaboration, the Nigerian Shippers Council conducted thorough due diligence on proposed project sites at Ngorore, Mubi/Hong, and Boukhola/Sahuda border post to assess their suitability and viability for development. Based on their findings, the Council provided recommendations, which were subsequently accepted by the Adamawa State Government.

In response, His Excellency, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, inaugurated a Joint Implementation Committee to oversee and ensure the realization of these important projects. The committee includes:

1. Haj. Rabi Y. Ahmad – Co-Chairperson/Managing Director, Adamawa State Investment & Property Development Company
2. Mrs. Ify Agatha Okolue – Co-Chairperson/Director, Inland Transport Services, Nigerian Shippers Council
3. Barrister Musa Khalid – Representative, Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Adamawa State
4. Engr. Labaran Salisu – Representative, Ministry of Transport, Adamawa State
5. Mr. Maxwell Duku – Representative, Ministry of Finance, Adamawa State
6. Mr. John Wajida – Adamawa State Consultant on the Project
7. Alh. A. S. Bashir – Director, North East Zone, Nigerian Shippers Council
8. Tennyson P. Nneji – Deputy Director (TIS), Nigerian Shippers Council
9. Nayaya Adamu – Public-Private Partnership Unit, Nigerian Shippers Council
10. Bala Adamu – (TIS) Nigerian Shippers Council / Secretary of the Committee

The committee immediately commenced work, formulating strategies and options for state government consideration, ensuring the process aligns with international standards and best practices.

During its 4th sitting in Yola from October 7th to 8th, 2024, the committee achieved the following key milestones:

1. Received confirmation that Governor Ahmadu Fintiri has approved compensation payments to landowners at Ngorore for the development of a Vehicle Transit Area in the community.
2. Inspected and approved land in Mubi, alongside the Hon. Commissioner of Lands & Survey, for the establishment of a VTA in Mubi.
3. Ensured the Ministry of Lands, Adamawa State, will secure necessary approvals and issue Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) for the project, ensuring the sites are free from encumbrances.
4. Drafted advertisements for the commencement of the procurement process, to be deliberated at the next meeting.

As part of their activities, the committee paid a courtesy visit to the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alh. Awwal Tukur, to brief him on the project’s progress. The meeting was productive, and the SSG reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting the successful implementation of these projects.

Thank you for your continued support as we work towards the full realization of these vital infrastructure developments in Adamawa State.