Tinubu Set To Reopen 1132Km Lagos-Kano Rail Line To Boast Import And Export
The Federal Government of Nigeria, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has announced the official reopening of the Lagos-Kano freight rail line, a significant development that is expected to aid economic opportunities and boost the country’s import and export sector.
According to Saidu Ahmed Alkali, Minister of Transportation, the rail line, which spans 1132 kilometers, has undergone rehabilitation and was successfully tested, and will be reopened by President Bola Tinubu today, June 6, 2024. During the trial run, numerous 40ft containers were transported from Lagos to Kano in just a few days.
The reopening of the corridor is expected to create numerous opportunities for businesses and facilitate the movement of import and export goods between the two regions. The railway service is also expected to lead to improvements in transportation services, a decrease in road traffic accidents, lower costs of goods, and a boost to the country’s Gross Domestic Product.
“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,” Alkali said in a statement on Thursday. “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.”
The Minister also disclosed that the Nigerian Railway Corporation has implemented a regular inspection mechanism to prevent potential vandalism of rail tracks, including the removal of clips and fish plates.
