FG Declares Dala Inland Dry Port, Kano as Port of Origin, Final Destination
The Federal Government, through the Minister of Transportation, has declared Dala Inland Dry Port, Kano as port of origin for export of goods and final destination for products brought into the country through her seaports.
Sambo, while making the declaration in Kano explained that the dry port was granted approval by the Federal Executive Council, (FEC) as part of government’s reform program to promote efficient transportation, decongest the seaports and bring shipping and ports services closer to importers and exporters.
According to him, “In today’s new global economy, speed to the markets with finished goods, lower shipping costs are the main drivers more than ever before”.
The minister affirmed that Kano qualifies to host the dry port because it is the commercial capital of northern Nigeria with huge agricultural trade and export volume is well documented.
He argued that the state has a sizeable number of textile and agro-allied industries, assembly plants amongst others and several manufacturing industries; hence it is not only suited but most qualified.
Sambo charged the shipping companies, maritime players, land-locked countries like Chad, Niger and other port users to take full advantage of the Dala IDP for import and export of their cargoes.
Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje, represented by his Deputy, Nasiru Yusuf Gowuna, stated that the Dala inland dry port marks the process of harnessing the potentials that abound in the state, stressing that Kano remains the largest non-oil and gas economy in the country with an estimated $12 billion market size driven by commerce, manufacturing and subsistence agriculture.
Chairman of the Dry Port, Abubakar Bawuro, disclosed that Niger, Chad and Cameroun have indicated the desire to use the facility, adding that it will also boost the trans-Saharan trade for which Kano was once a hub.
Bawuro hinted that the narrow gauge from Lagos-Kano is fully connected to the facility, while the neighbouring countries importing through the seaports can complete the second leg from Kano to Niger or other parts through road.
