The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has flagged- off Kano- Port- Harcourt Inter City Train Service to facilitate transportation of goods from the Northern part of the country to the South South.
Speaking at the flag- off ceremony in Kano, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Engr. Adesuyi Sijuwade said it was the first train service from the station in over a decade.
According to him, 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 has been comatose.
He however stated that the newly introduced train service comprises two 68- seater Air conditioned Modern first class Passenger Coaches, restaurant coach forcomfort on board and several class coaches
Sijuwade said the train service will initially run one trip per week and will increase in frequency as patronages improves adding that the rake will also include baggage vans to carry various categories of goods such as refined groundnut oil onions, cotton and textile materials.
The Managing Director maintained that Kano is renowned for being the homestead of age old groundnut Pyramid, hides and skin great nneries, ceramics and agricultural products.
In his remarks, 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 Sub- region.
The governor who was represented by the Speaker of the state house of assembly, Alhaji Kabiru Alhassan Rurum called on the business community to fully patronize the new train stressing that the people of the state are poised to benefit from the opportunity offered to them by the federal government.
Also speaking , the emir of Kano Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi described the train service as a good omen to the people of Kano saying it would facilitate the movement of goods to the eastern part of the country and also enhance speedy economic growth.
