The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially launched a freight train service from the Dala Inland Dry Port in Kano to the APM Terminals in Apapa, Lagos.
The Minister of Transportation, Senator Said Ahmad Alkali, presided over the inaugural train service at Dala Inland Dry port in Kano
It is with a high sense of joy, excitement, and fulfillment that I address you today on this auspicious occasion of the commissioning of the freight service on the Narrow Gauge from Lagos to Kano,” said Alkali. He emphasized that the development of a modern, safe, secure, and sustainable transportation network is a priority under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, which recognizes transportation as a gateway to the nation’s economy and a major enabler of economic growth.
Alkali said the initiative is part of a series of activities undertaken by the Federal Ministry of Transportation to operationalize and sustain efficient rail services.
The minister recalled his earlier efforts to decongest the port by commissioning freight containers from APMT Apapa to Ibadan on Standard Gauge during his familiarization tour in October 2023.
The minister said the Federal Government’s recent achievements, including securing financing for the completion of the Kaduna-Kano Standard Gauge project and the ongoing construction of the Kano-Maradi rail line. He reassured the public that the construction of the Standard Gauge from Lagos to Kano is progressing at an appreciable speed.
Today, we are witnessing the commissioning of the Narrow Gauge freight operation from Lagos to Kano,” Alkali announced, praising President Tinubu’s support in ensuring the project’s completion. He stressed the importance of this project for restoring freight operations to Kano, the commercial nerve of northern Nigeria, without interrupting the ongoing Standard Gauge construction.
Ahmad Rabiu, Managing Director of Dala Inland Dry Port, stated that the service, which began on May 31, positions Kano as a critical hub for cargo processing and export. “Dala Inland is a 200-hectare project, the first port of destination in the hinterland with dedicated rail services,” Rabiu noted.
He said Kano’s historical role in trans-Saharan trade, noting that the city handles 7% of the country’s cargo destined for seaports.
Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, represented by his Deputy Comrade Aminu Abdussalam, welcomed the initiative, stating that it alleviates the transportation nightmares faced by businessmen. “Road transportation of goods is hazardous.
Now we are embarking on a cheaper means of transportation,” Abdussalam said. He urged business people to maximize the new service and expressed the state’s gratitude to President Tinubu.
“This project will benefit the countries in the Sahelian areas, the northern region, the northeast, and the northwest, bringing back Kano to its lost glory of being the center of commerce,” Abdussalam said.
