FG to Boost Trade with Inauguration of Kano-Port Harcourt Train Service

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) on Thursday, July 23, in Kano, inaugurated the Kano- Port-Harcourt Inter-City Mixed Train Service for easy transportation of goods from the northern part of the country to the eastern part.

Speaking at the ceremony held at the NRC in Kano, the Managing Director, Adesuyi Sijuwade, noted that for over a decade, train movement from Kano through Kafanchan to Port Harcourt had ceased, adding that the old thriving movement of goods from Kofar Wambai Market , Kantin Kwari and Kurmi Market in Kano by rail to Ogbete Market in Enugu Ariari Market in Aba and Diobu Market in Port Harcourt had been comatose.

He stated that the newly introduced train service comprises two 68- seater Air conditioned  modern first class passenger coaches, restaurant coach for comfort on board and several class coaches.

The Managing Director said the train service will initially run one trip per week and will increase in frequency as patronages improves, adding that it will also include baggage vans to carry various categories of goods such as refined groundnut oil, onions, cotton and textile materials.

He maintained that  Kano is renowned for  being the homestead of age-old groundnut pyramid, hides and skin, great ginneries, ceramics and agricultural products.

Kano State governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, described the decision to launch the mixed train service in Kano as a monumental feat capable of promoting the commercial status of Kano as a revered centre of commerce in the African region.