The Minister of Transportation, Saidu Alkali, has announced that the Lagos-Kano rail line has officially commenced freight operations, News About Nigeria reports.
According to the minister via his official X page, a successful trial run was conducted a few days ago, moving import containers from Apapa Port in Lagos to Dala Inland Dry Port in Kano.
Alkali, who visited the site in Kano State for an on-the-spot inspection in May, confirmed the trial’s success and noted that the rail line is now connected to Zawaciki Dala Dry Port, Kano’s commercial hub.
Senator Alkali stated, “During our regular project inspection last month, I mentioned that we plan to resume freight services on the old narrow gauge rail line from Lagos to Kano in June after completing rehabilitation. Recently, we conducted a trial run moving import containers from Apapa Port in Lagos to Dala Inland Dry Port in Kano, successfully transporting numerous 40 ft containers over a few days.”
The trial run, spanning 1,132 kilometers, included five locomotive driver changing stations at Ibadan, Offa, Mokwa, Minna, and Kaduna Junction.
Through the Nigerian Railway Corporation, measures have been implemented to prevent potential vandalism of rail tracks.
The Minister said, “This railway service will facilitate the transportation of a substantial number of import and export containers, leading to improvements in transportation services, a decrease in road traffic accidents, lower costs of goods, and a boost to our Gross Domestic Product. Our dedication to the continuation and successful conclusion of current projects is guided by the principles outlined in the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
The Minister expressed confidence that future governments adopting similar forward-thinking political dedication could help realise the Nigeria they aspire to.
