The Federal Government announced that the resumption of cargo train services on the Lagos-Kano route is expected to reduce food prices and extend the lifespan of highways. This development was revealed by Transportation Minister Said Alkali during the launch of the freight train service from Dala Inland Dryport in Kano to Apapa Port in Lagos State.
The cargo train will operate on the narrow gauge, aligning with the administration's goal to develop a modern, safe, secure, and sustainable transportation network. The minister highlighted several benefits of the restored freight services, including lower transportation costs and reduced business expenses.
Senator Alkali emphasized that the freight services would also alleviate pressures on highways, thereby decreasing traffic accidents and boosting the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). He explained that the narrow gauge restoration was a quick solution to ensure freight operations resumed in Kano, a key commercial hub in northern Nigeria, without disrupting the ongoing standard gauge construction.
“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,” Alkali stated.
He also noted that the construction of the standard gauge from Lagos to Kano and Kano-Maradi is progressing rapidly. The Federal Government recently secured funding for completing the Kaduna-Kano Standard Gauge rail project.
Additionally, Alkali mentioned the initiation of a new rail project linking Badagry to TinCan and TinCan to Apapa, as well as connecting Lekki to Ijebu Ode and Ijebu Ode to Kajola, which will integrate the Lagos-Kano and Kano-Maradi routes. These projects aim to accelerate the realization of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda (RHA).
Fidet Okhria, Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), expressed that the commencement of the service would reduce road traffic and enhance road safety. He stated, “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 them idle for vandals to destroy.”
Okhria also noted that freight movement would occur between 7 am and 6 pm daily due to security concerns.
