The Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Amaechi, has said the Dala Inland Dry Port, when completed, would bring shipping facilities closer to the hinterland and increase cargo throughput.
Amaechi, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, said, Kano state, which has a sizable number of textiles and agro-allied industries, deserves an inland dry port.
Speaking at the unveiling of the logo and theme of the port and Kano Economic and Diaspora Investment Summit in Abuja, the minister said the dry port will among other things, act as a catalyst for improved trade flows, boost inland trading and revitalise export of agricultural products, thus leading to multi-product economy.
He said it would also create employment opportunities that would ultimately stem rural-urban migration and act as a source of Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to the host state as well as a revenue source to the federal government.
While assuring the business community and intending investors of government’s commitment to link all dry ports with rail lines, Amaechi said the Dala port would be linked with the Lagos-Kano standard gauge currently under construction.
Dala Inland Dry Port has a compelling and viable Outline Business Case (OBC) that positions the dry port as a rallying modern transport and logistics infrastructure that has the potential to service the cargo needs of the North West, North East, Niger Republic and Mali with a seamless transportation system in both import and export, especially with the expected designation of the port as a port of origin and destination, soon by the Federal Government.
Also, the Kano State Government has entered into a partnership with the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) to market Dala Inland Dry Port to the global community, which is expected to attract billions of dollar investments and businesses to the state.
The Chairman of NIDCOM, Abike Dabiri, said the Nigerian Diaspora communities are already making inquiries on how to invest in the project, thereby raising hope of being a pivot for the regeneration of the northern economy.
