The Katsina State Government has signed a Shareholders’ Agreement establishing FIDP Limited. The special purpose vehicle will drive development and operations of the Funtua Inland Dry Port.
The agreement formalises the State Government’s investment and provides a clear governance framework. It unlocks large-scale trade, logistics, and industrial opportunities for Katsina State and the wider North-West.
The signing is a major economic achievement under Governor Dikko Umaru Radda. It reflects the administration’s commitment to building productive infrastructure and attracting private capital.
Mal. Musbahu Alkali, Managing Director of the Katsina State Investment and Property Development Company Limited (KIPDECO), represented the State Government at the signing.
According to Alkali, the agreement marks a transformative moment for Katsina’s economic future.
“This Shareholders’ Agreement is a critical step in positioning the Funtua Inland Dry Port as a regional trade hub. It provides the institutional framework and governance structure needed to attract investment and scale operations,” Alkali said.
He emphasised that FIDP Limited will serve as the catalyst for job creation and economic growth across the state.
“The special purpose vehicle creates a platform for mobilising financing and partnerships that will expand port capacity and improve logistics efficiency. We expect significant cargo throughput growth and reduced transportation costs for agricultural commodities and manufactured goods,” Alkali added.
FIDP Chairman Alhaji (Dr.) Umaru Mutallab, CON, signed on behalf of project sponsors and reaffirmed the private sector’s commitment to accelerating delivery of infrastructure, equipment, and services at the Dry Port.
Mutallab noted that the agreement positions the facility as a strategic investment for manufacturers, traders, and farmers seeking efficient port access closer to production centres.
He highlighted that the Dry Port will ease the burden on congested coastal ports while strengthening Katsina’s role as a cross-border trade gateway serving the North-West and connecting to regional markets in Chad and Niger.
The facility will enable manufacturers, traders, and farmers to access port services closer to production centres. This eases the burden on congested coastal ports.
