Minister of Transportation Senator Said Alkali has inaugurated the maiden freight services via Narrow Gauge from Dala dry port in Kano to Lagos .
Speaking, Senator Alkali said the event was part of the series of activities undertaken by the l Ministry from the inception of present administration aimed at practicalising Government’s commitment towards provision, operationalization and sustainability of efficient rail infrastructure countrywide .
He described the development of a modern, safe, secure and sustainable transportation network as one of the priorities of the incumbent Government of President Bola Tinubu, under the Renewed Hope Agenda which recognized transportation as a gateway to the nation’s economy and major enabler of economic growth.
The Minister recalled his commitment to fix the Narrow Gauge from Lagos to Kano in October 2023 during the commissioning of the freight containers from APTM Apapa to Ibadan on Standard Gauge to decongest the port and promote efficient rail services during his first familiarization tour after assumption of office.
Senator Alkali stated that “It is important to put on record that the fixing of the Narrow Gauge for freight from Lagos to Kano was carried out as a quick wins to ensure the restoration of freight operation to the famous city of Kano as commercial nerve of northern Nigeria without interrupting the on going construction of the standard gauge.”
He added that the construction of Standard Gauge form Lagos to Kano and Kano – Maradi is progressively on going at appreciable speed noting that the Federal Government has recently secured financing for the completion of the Kaduna Kano Standard Gauge on going rail project.
The Minister maintained that In addition, the Federal Government has initiated the construction of another rail project that links Badagry to TinCan and TinCan to Apapa. It will also link Lekki to Ijebu Ode, Ijebu Ode to Kajola which will connect the route from Lagos to Kano then to Maradi.”
Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf represented by his deputy, Comrade Aminu Gwarzo commended the Minister for his tirelessness describing the occasion as memorable in view of the status of Kano as umbilical cord of trade and commerce for centuries .
He said with the flagg off, the nightmare of most Kano State business men and women will by no means be over considering cost and risk of transporting goods by roads especially at this time of economic melt down
Also speaking the Managing Director Nigerian Railway Corporation Engineer, Fidet Okhiria said 18 wagons were loaded from the seaport in Lagos to Dala dry port .
He added that 18 wagons will be moved from the dry port to Lagos within 72hrs.
Okhiria posited that the freight service will by and large reduce road accidents make them safer and above all durable
On his part, Managing Director Dala Dry Port, Ahmad Rabiu asked the ministry of transportation and NRC to ensure dedicated railway service for cargo movement, especially with the export season for 2024 coming up in September when about 20 to 30 metric tonnes of cargo will be moved.
The occasion was attended by dignitaries from both the public and private sectors
