The Federal Government announced that the resumed cargo train services between Lagos and Kano are expected to decrease food prices and extend the lifespan of highways.
Transportation Minister Said Alkali inaugurated the freight train service from Dala Inland Dryport in Kano to Apapa Port in Lagos, utilizing the narrow gauge.
“The fixing of the narrow gauge for freight from Lagos to Kano was carried out as a quick win to ensure the restoration of freight operation to the famous city of Kano as the commercial nerve of northern Nigeria without interrupting the ongoing construction of the standard gauge.
“Notwithstanding this laudable initiative, I am pleased to inform you that the construction of standard gauge from Lagos to Kano and Kano-Maradi is progressively ongoing at appreciable speed.
“As a testimony to this reality, the Federal Government recently secured financing for the completion of the Kaduna-Kano Standard Gauge ongoing rail project.” he said.
Alkali emphasized that the initiative would lessen highway pressures and accidents while boosting Nigeria’s GDP. He also noted the ongoing construction of standard gauge lines and other rail projects to further enhance the nation’s infrastructure.
Nigerian Railway Corporation Managing Director, Fidet Okhiria, added that the service would alleviate road stress and improve railway functionality, with freight operations limited to daylight hours due to security concerns.
“This makes NRC functional because people will appreciate NRC. We are moving 18 wagons and in the next 72 hours, it will be in Lagos. This is important because the tracks will be occupied instead of leaving it idle for vandals to destroy.
“This will affect the roads too because the lives of those plying the roads will be safer and the roads will last longer.” he added.
