By Ada Nkong
The need for a sustainable transportation network in Nigeria has been emphasized.
The minister of transportation Sa’id Alkali reiterated federal government’s commitment to developing Nigeria’s transport sector during the flag off of freight services at the Dala inland dry port via narrow gauge to connect the standard gauge railway service with construction ongoing between Ibadan and Kano.
Speaking during the flag off, the minister said financing has been secured for construction between Kaduna to Kano stressing that this would boost economic activities as Kano remains a commercial centre in Nigeria.
According to Alkali, “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”.
“Notwithstanding this laudable initiative, I am pleased to inform you that the construction of Standard Gauge form Lagos to Kano and Kano – Maradi is progressively on going at appreciable speed”.
“As a testimony to this reality, the Federal Government has recently secured financing for the completion of the Kaduna Kano Standard Gauge on going rail project. 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 and Kano to Maradi”
Also speaking at the event, the Kano State governor Abbah Kabiru Yusuf represented by his deputy Abdulsalami Abdusamad said the project would not only bring opportunities to the state and boost the economy but would also enable it live up to it’s position as commercial nerve centre of the nation .
According to him,”this project is key to us, days are gone when people go to Lagos, Portharcourt or Calabar to claim their goods”.
The Managing Director Nigeria Railway corporation Engr Fidet Okhiria who was present at the event, disclosed that it takes 3 to four days to move cargo from Lagos to Kano.
” The NRC is ready for this and we have mobilised our men to be on duty, we also have our security to prevent stealing of goods”.
He added that commencement of the freight services would keep the tracks busy and prevent vandalism.
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