Akume: North Central Region Holds the Key to Nigeria’s Non-Oil Export Revolution‎

Akume: North Central Region Holds the Key to Nigeria’s Non-Oil Export Revolution‎

Abiola Adigun| Albarka 89.9 FM| Ilorin| October 28 2025

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has identified Nigeria’s North Central region as the country’s emerging powerhouse for non-oil export growth, citing its vast mineral wealth, fertile agricultural base, and growing transport infrastructure as strategic assets for national economic diversification.
Akume stated this on Monday in Jos, Plateau State, while commissioning the Senator George Akume 250-Seater Conference Centre at the North Central Zonal Office of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC).
According to the SGF, the North Central zone is positioned to play a leading role in Nigeria’s non-oil export drive under the Federal Government’s economic diversification plan.
“With improved logistics infrastructure, this region can become a key driver of Nigeria’s diversification agenda,” Akume declared.
He praised the Nigerian Shippers’ Council and the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy for their commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s logistics and maritime systems, describing the new conference centre as “a testament to vision and renewed energy under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership.”
“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,” Akume said.
The SGF underscored the critical role of infrastructure in driving commerce and national growth, noting that efficient ports, roads, railways, and dry ports are “the arteries through which the lifeblood of commerce flows.”
He reaffirmed that the Tinubu administration, through the Renewed Hope Agenda, is prioritising massive investments in critical trade and transport infrastructure to enhance connectivity and competitiveness across all regions.
“We are building an economy that thrives on connectivity—one 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 explained.
Akume also commended the leadership of the Shippers’ Council under its Executive Secretary, Barrister Pius Akuta, for promoting fairness, efficiency, and innovation in the maritime sector, especially through the development of Inland Dry Ports that bridge the gap between seaports and inland economies.
He said the newly commissioned conference centre would serve as a hub for stakeholder dialogue, policy exchange, and capacity building in the logistics and maritime value chain.
The SGF further called for stronger collaboration among government, the private sector, development partners, and host communities to sustain infrastructure development gains nationwide.
“Government cannot achieve this vision alone,” Akume stressed. “Let us view infrastructure not merely as government projects, but as national assets that require protection, maintenance, and innovation.”
Nigeria has been seeking to reduce its dependence on crude oil exports by boosting non-oil sectors such as agriculture, solid minerals, and manufacturing. The North Central region—comprising states like Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, and Plateau—is rich in agricultural produce and solid minerals, making it strategically vital to the country’s non-oil export ambitions.
Experts say that ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to improve inland logistics and establish dry ports in hinterland states could unlock new trade corridors and make the region a major export hub for Nigeria.