Ganduje seeks support of  Shippers’ Council to revive Dala dry port 

Kano State Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje on Friday, appealed to the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) to engage the Federal Government through the Ministry of Transportation to declare the Dala Inland Dry Port as a port of origin and destination.

Ganduje made the plea during a working visit to the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) in Lagos even as he advocated for the council to ensure the inland dry port is linked with railway network, stressing the need for collaboration between shippers and shipping line agencies with seamless flow of import and export cargoes.

He said, “We want you follow up with the Ministry of Transportation for the facility to be declared as a port of origin and destination by the Honourable Minister.

“We also want you to assist and follow up with the Nigerian Railway Corporation for the rail line extension into the inland port; ensure cooperation and collaboration between the shipping lines and their agents with the inland port to allow seamless flow of both import and export cargoes.

“Kindly help us to facilitate the actualisation of the inland port to be a transport and logistics Free Zone and also facilitate linkage and access to the markets in Sahel Africa countries particularly Chad and Niger Republics”, the Governor appealed to management of the council.

The Governor noted that  the continuous support from the council would further expedite the completion of the Dala inland dry port project which in turn will boost Kano State economy and that of Nigeria in general.

Ganduje stated that the presidential policy on agriculture development has yielded great results, adding that Nigeria is inching towards self-sufficiency in food production and positioned to resume exportation of farm produce.

“I am delighted to state that the Kano State Government has been at the forefront in the promotion of agricultural production for export and we are returning to all seasons farming covering the dry and rainy seasons and harmattan.
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“The combined effects of our efforts and that of the federal government will greatly enhance agricultural products that will patronise the inland port.

Continuing, the Governor lauded the efforts by the federal government to open up new business opportunities across, especially the attraction of Kano – Dambatta- Daura- Maradi rail line, pointing out that the project would no doubt grow the nation’s economy and improve the socio-economic well being of the entire citizenry.

Earlier, the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Barrister Hassan Bello recalled how the inland port project, which started in 2006, has received tremendous commitment from the present administration of Ganduje for completion.

Bello believed that the port would have significant impact on the economy of the northern region as well as neighbouring African countries.

He maintained that the project would be monitored by the Council even as he added the Council had inaugurated a committee that would oversee its activities.

The Dala inland dry port is estimated at about $30 million but the first phase will take about $14 million with part of it coming from equity.

The equity funding will take about 30 to 40 percent of the required funds and the rest will come from banks.