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FG declares Dala Inland Port of origin, destination

By Murtala Adewale, Kano
05 August 2022   |   2:40 am
Dala Inland Dry Port in Kano has secured full certification as port of origin and destination, 20 years after its concessional agreement.

[FILES] Kano. Photo/facebook/drabdullahiumargandujeofr/

Dala Inland Dry Port in Kano has secured full certification as port of origin and destination, 20 years after its concessional agreement.

By the declaration, the dry port is empowered to operate shipping businesses including clearing and forwarding of cargos directly from anywhere in the world to Kano.

Unveiling Dala port at Zawaciki area of Kano State, Minister of Transport, Muazu Sambo, disclosed that the declaration was part of the Federal Government’s commitment to decongest existing seaports and extend shipping business into the hinterland.

The minister said the completion and subsequent declaration of Dala Inland Dry Port commenced in 2006, when the Federal Government approved six dry ports across the country to boost the nation’s revenue in non oil sector.

Sambo stressed that the critical transport infrastructures built on Public Private Partnership on build and transfer model are targeted to facilitate economic viability within the country and enhance tran-Africa free trade agreement with neighbouring countries.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary at the ministry, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, assured that railway transportation from Lagos to Kano on a narrow gauge would soon be restored to activate shipping business on the dry port.

She explained that the operation was suspended in April, 2022 after security challenge. She however hinted that government is working closely with security apparatus adding that rail transport would resume as soon as security situation improve.

Executive Secretary, Nigerian Shipper’s Council (NSC), Mr. Emmanuel Jime, declared the unveiling of Dala Inland Dry Port as port of origin and destination would ease means of doing business for importers and exporters in the hinterland.

Emphasising the economic benefits of the dry port, Jime revealed that the full fledged port would enable shipping activities become more cost effective with minimal risk compare with transporting of cargo on the road.

“The impact is going to be monumental. First, why do we need dry port, the dry port on concession is meant to operate like seaport. The only different is that there is no sea here but every facility you can find at the sea port are here.

“Nigeria territory is broad and if you can be able to move shipping into the hinterland you can imagine the level of economic activities you would attract. So, Dala Inland Dry port is a game changer that would transform trade and economy in Nigeria and other neighbouring countries.”

Kano State Deputy Governor, Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, renewed the state government readiness to provide enabling environment to sustain business opportunity and protect the critical transport infrastructure.

Gawuna disclosed that Kano State government invested over N2.5 billion on the dry port on construction of accessible road network, electricity and other basic infrastructure to attract investors.

He expressed satisfaction on the unveiling of Dala Inland Dry Port as port of origin and destination which, he said would generate job opportunity and enhance economic development in the state.

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