Kebbi’s Economic Potential Receives Boost as Shippers’ Council Commends Viability of Dolekaina
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council has lauded Kebbi State’s economic potential, particularly in Dolekaina, a marine community in Dandi Local Government Area, which boasts a vast water body ideal for shipping, trade, and fishing activities.
A delegation from the Council engaged in a town hall consultative meeting with the Dolekaina community to explore ways to harness the area’s economic strengths for both the state and the nation. Discussions focused on dredging the River Niger to facilitate the construction of a deep-water port, enhancing marine transportation, and expanding international trade.
Highlighting the strategic importance of Dolekaina, the Director General of the Kebbi State Investment Promotion Agency (KIPA), Dr. Kabir Kamba, noted that the town serves as a vital trade hub linking Nigeria, Benin Republic, and Niger Republic. He revealed that Governor Nasir Idris remains committed to removing trade barriers and attracting investments to boost commerce in the region.
Among the key issues raised were annual flooding mitigation, improved electricity supply, ferry and jetty provisions, local product marketing, and the establishment of rice mills with processing machines.
Hajiya Karima Usman, North-West Regional Head of the Shippers’ Council, reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to facilitating trade, citing her previous intervention in removing 42 checkpoints along the Kamba-Birnin Kebbi road, which had hindered the movement of goods.
Dignitaries at the meeting, including traditional and government leaders, emphasized the urgent need to develop maritime infrastructure and pledged their support for initiatives that will position Dolekaina as a leading economic hub.
In response, Hajiya Karima Usman assured the community that she would advocate for the establishment of an Export Free Zone in Dolekaina through the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), which would boost trade and reduce taxation. She also highlighted potential partnerships with NEMA, NIWA, and the NPA to address challenges such as flooding, dredging, and transportation.
The visit concluded with a tour of the maritime borders between Dolekaina, Niger Republic, and Benin Republic, reaffirming the area’s economic significance and investment potential
