RAILWAY DEVELOPMENT: FG Restores Narrow Gauge for Freight operation from Lagos to Kano
Oru Leonard
It was a momentous day, June 6th, 2024, as Senator Said Ahmed Alkali, the Honorable Minister of Transportation, stood proudly to commission the freight service on the narrow gauge railway from Lagos to Kano. With a beaming smile, he began his speech, his voice filled with joy, excitement, and a sense of fulfillment.
The crowd of distinguished guests, ladies, and gentlemen listened intently as he highlighted the significance of this milestone. He emphasized that the development safe, and sustainable transportation network was a top priority for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“This event is part of the series of activities undertaken by the Federal Ministry of Transportation from the inception of this administration to practicalise the Federal Government’s commitment towards provision, operationalization and sustainability of efficient rail infrastructure in Nigeria, Akali noted.
He emphasized that the development of a modern, safe, secure and sustainable transportation network is a priority of the administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR under the Renewed Hope Agenda which recognized transportation as gateway to the nation’s economy and major enabler of economic growth.
He disclosed that the Federal Government has recently secured financing for the completion of the Kaduna-Kano Standard Gauge ongoing rail project.
It is in furtherance of this cause that I have commissioned the freight containers from APTM Apapa to Ibadan on Standard Gauge to decongest the port and promote efficient rail services during my first familiarization tour after assumption of office in October, 2023″, The Minister concluded.
As he spoke, the audience couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride and hope for the future. The Minister’s words painted a picture of a Nigeria where goods and people could move efficiently and safely, boosting economic growth and development.
With the commissioning of this freight service, a new chapter had begun in Nigeria’s transportation history. The Narrow Gauge railway, connecting Lagos to Kano, was a testament to the government’s commitment to infrastructure development.
