NRC Flags off Train Services Between Kano – Port Hacourt

The Nigerian Railway Corporation, on Thursday flagged- off Kano- Port- Harcourt Inter City Mixed Train Service to facilitate transportation of goods from the Northern part of the country to the South South , twelve years after suspending regular operations in Kano

Speaking at the flag- off ceremony held at the Nigerian Railway Corporation in Kano yesterday, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Engr. Adesuyi Sijuwade said over a decade, train movement from Kano through Kafancan to Port Harcourt had ceased.

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 for comfort 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.

Speaking at the event, the Kano state governor Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje governor who was represented by the Speaker of the state house of assembly, Alhaji Kabiru Alhassan Rurum 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.

He then 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.