The federal government has officially launched a freight train service from APM Terminal in Apapa Lagos to Dala Inland Dry Port in Kano.
The minister of transportation, Senator Said Ahmad Alkali, presided over the inaugural train service at Dala Inland Dry port in Kano.
During the inauguration, the minister said the flag-off would open up businesses to the international environment as well as make import and export easier from Northern Nigeria to the rest of the world.
He said, “It is with a high sense of joy, excitement and fulfilment that I address you today on this auspicious occasion of the commissioning of the freight service on the Narrow Gauge from Lagos to Kano.
“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.
“It is an opportunity for our people, our business community to import and export without much difficulties.”
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.
He 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 added that the federal government’s recent achievements include securing financing for the completion of the Kaduna-Kano Standard Gauge project and the ongoing construction of the Kano-Maradi rail line while reassuring the public that the construction of the Standard Gauge from Lagos to Kano is progressing at an appreciable speed.
On his part, the Managing Director Dala Inland Dry Port, Ahmad Rabiu, explained that the service, which began on May 31 2024, 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,” he explained.
Speaking during the inauguration, Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf applauded the initiative and pledged support.
The governor, represented by his Deputy Comrade Aminu Abdussalam, welcomed the initiative, stating that it will alleviate the transportation nightmares faced by businessmen.
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