North Central: Key to Nigeria’s Non-Oil Export Growth – SGF Akume

From Tongnaan Bawa, Jos

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, CON, has emphasised the vast economic potential of Nigeria’s North Central region, describing it as a future hub for the country’s non-oil exports.

Akume noted that the region’s rich mineral deposits and strong agricultural base give it a strategic advantage in driving national economic diversification.

He added that with sustained improvements in logistics and transport infrastructure, the North Central zone could play a leading role in boosting Nigeria’s non-oil export sector.

The SGF stated this on Tuesday in Jos, Plateau State, while commissioning the Senator George Akume’s 250-seater Conference Centre at the North Central Zonal Office of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC).

“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 commended the Nigerian Shippers’ Council and the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy for what he described as “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,” the SGF stated.

He noted that 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 Tinubu, is 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,” he 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.”

The SGF lauded the Shippers’ Council ably led by its Executive Secretary, Barrister Pius Akuta, for its role as the Port Economic Regulator, promoting fairness, efficiency, and innovation in the maritime sector.

He particularly praised the Council’s effort in bridging the gap between seaports and inland regions through the development of Inland Dry Ports and zonal coordination offices.

According to him, the newly commissioned conference centre will serve as a hub for stakeholder engagement, policy dialogue, and capacity building, thereby strengthening Nigeria’s maritime and logistics ecosystem.

The SGF also called for stronger partnerships between government, the private sector, development partners, and host communities to sustain the gains of infrastructure development.

“Government cannot achieve this vision alone,” he stressed. “Let us view infrastructure not merely as government projects, but as national assets that require protection, maintenance, and innovation.”

The All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda described the commissioning of the Senator George Akume Auditorium in Jos as a clear demonstration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda delivering real impact across Nigeria.

Represented by the APC Deputy National Chairman (South), Chief Emma Eneukwu said the project reflects the President’s vision of balanced national development and inclusivity.

“It is with great honour and joy that I join you in the historic city of Jos, the ‘Home of Peace and Tourism,’ for this milestone event. This project is a testament to the Renewed Hope philosophy of President Tinubu, whose leadership continues to inspire purposeful development across all sectors,” he said.

He lauded the President for recognizing the North Central Zone through key national appointments, including Senator George Akume as Secretary to the Government of the Federation and himself as APC National Chairman, noting that such gestures affirm the President’s confidence in the region’s capacity and integrity.

Also Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Plateau State Governor Barr. Caleb Mutfwang congratulated the management and staff of the Council for what he described as a “remarkable achievement,” noting that the new state-of-the-art facility symbolizes growth, vision, and service excellence.

Mutfwang Represented by the Deputy Governor Ngo Josephine Piyo emphasized that the presence of the NSC in Jos goes beyond administrative expansion, describing it as a strategic enabler for enhanced trade linkages, investment attraction, and job creation in the region.

“Plateau is richly endowed with mineral resources, agricultural produce, and a vibrant entrepreneurial population. This zonal office will greatly enhance access to efficient logistics and export facilitation”

Governor Mutfwang commended the Council’s leadership for situating such critical infrastructure in Jos a city renowned for peace, hospitality, and commerce adding that the move reflects confidence in Plateau’s growing reputation as a business-friendly state.

Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Dr. Akutah Pius Ukeyima, described the new 250-seater Senator George Akume Auditorium as a strategic investment in knowledge, dialogue, and trade facilitation.

According to him, the facility will serve as a centre for conferences, stakeholder engagement, and entrepreneurial training in transport, logistics, and port reform, while promoting public-private partnerships that stimulate economic growth.

“The auditorium reflects our belief that ideas drive development. When people meet, engage, and innovate, economies grow,” adding that the choice of Jos underscores the North Central region’s importance as a vital trade corridor connecting hinterland commerce with maritime trade.