Amaechi summons ICNL,  Shippers Council, Nigerian Railway over rail connectivity to Kaduna ICD 

Seun Abiola     |      

The Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi has summoned the Inland Container Nigeria Limited (ICNL); Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) and the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) over non-movement of cargoes by rail from the Kaduna Inland Container Terminal. 

This was disclosed by the Executive Secretary of the NSC,  Barr.  Hassan Bello in Abuja recently.

Bello said inability of cargoes to move since the commencement of operation at the ICD is one of the numerous challenges facing the ICD that should be tackled. 

 He said,  “There are challenges that needed to be tackled for the facility to operate seamlessly. Movement of cargo by rail to the facility has not commenced. The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) promised us that 20 wagons will be for the exclusive use of that facility. That’s yet to happen. There is a delay from the manufacturers’ end.

“As soon as they arrive, 20 locomotive wagons will be assigned to the dry port and that will further improve its operations. 

“Already, the Minister of Transportation has scheduled a meeting with NSC, ICNL, NRC to boost operations at the Kaduna dry port”, Bello said..

However,  the Council also disclosed that the Central Bank of Nigeria, (CBN) has included the Kaduna dry port on its list of entities classified as port of destination for ‘e-form M’ while the Nigerian Customs Service(NCS)  on its part has issued a station code for the Kaduna dry port, thus recognising it as a full port facility.


Bello backed the  steps taken by the  CBN and the Customs towards the take off and sustained operations of the Kaduna dry port, operated by Inland Container Nigeria Limited in Kaduna State.

He stated that the operations of the Dry Port are now linked to Customs platform and soon, Customs will commence discussions on seamless transport system adding that all  containers destined for Kaduna dry port will be tracked by Customs and that will totally address the issue of cargo diversion.

He stated that the movement of each and every container will now  be monitored pointing out that shipping companies have agreed to issue what he termed “Through Bill of Laden” to assist in hinterland connection for goods destined to the dry port.

He added that with the coming on board of Kaduna ICD, export of various products, especially ginger has surged.

“Through that facility, we do at least five containers of ginger every week which are for various international markets. This is really commendable. It is in line with Federal Government’s drive to boost export, boost revenue generation and ultimately bring shipping closer to those in the hinterland.

“Right now, some freight forwarders have moved into the facility. SON, NAFDAC and other agencies have applied for offices and the NSC is processing their applications”, he added.

© 2018, maritimemag. All rights reserved.