The Nigerian government has announced that freight services on the ancient narrow gauge rail line from Lagos to Kano would restart on Thursday after repair is completed.
Sen. Saidu Ahmed Alkali, Minister of Transportation, announced the announcement in a statement on Thursday.
Alkali said that President Bola Tinubu will formally unblock the goods corridor.
He also stated that the ministry has performed a trial run of transferring import containers from Apapa Port in Lagos to Dala Inland Dry Port in Kano, successfully transporting several 40-foot containers from Lagos to Kano in only a few days.
According to the Minister, the railway line would provide several opportunities for enterprises while also facilitating the transportation of import and export commodities between these critical regions of the country.
The statement partly read:
“I am delighted to announce to Nigerians that today 6th June 2024, the Federal Government led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu @officialABAT GCFR will be officially launching the reopening of this corridor for freight. This significant railway route will create numerous opportunities for businesses and facilitate the movement of import and export goods between these crucial regions in the country.
“It is our intention that 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.”
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cc: Daily Post Ng
