The Promoter of the Dala Inland Dry Port, Kano, Rabiu Ahmed, has said that at the rate work is moving at the port, it may be commissioned by December this year.
Ahmed, who disclosed this to newsmen in Lagos on Wednesday, noted that the project is 65 per cent completed, inclusive of critical infrastructure and provision of essential staff.
“In addition to the physical development, it is also advanced in the provision of equipment which we are hopeful will be moved to the site and concluded soon.
“We are hoping that by next week (third week of June), there will be equipment at the site and there is also a temporary office which has been done in accordance with the practice in most terminals. On the whole, we should commence operation in the next two months,” he said.
The port promoter also lauded Kano governor, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, for supporting the project with $6m, saying it helped procure basic infrastructural facilities such as perimeter fencing, water, access roads and energy at the site.
His words, “The government’s support is uniquely superb. I have not seen support for a green project on the scale of passion and commitment that His Excellency, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, accorded the Dala Inland Port project.
“He, in addition, is making sure that critical infrastructure is provided in the facility, ranging from a dual-carriage, standard access road to fencing the place, provision of water and power, among others.
“He also visited the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, our potential partners, Sifax Group and another in Abuja.”
On the viability of the project with rail connectivity guarantee, Ahmed, assured that Dala inland port is now properly linked to the rail line and it is contiguous to the narrow gauge and the standard gauge.
Upon completion, the port should accommodate about 20,020ft units of capacity, which is expected to be increased to 50,000ft equivalent unit three years’ thereafter, he said.
Beyond Nigeria, the inland dry port is expected to boost regional trade with other West African countries including the Republic of Niger and Chad, as well as Northern Cameroun.
The port is taking advantage of the rail infrastructure of the country, especially the rail from Kano to Jibia in Katsina, and rail from Lagos to Kano State, which will serve as the pedestal for the success of the Dala port operations.
Licensed since 2006 as Public Private Partnership project, the port is situated on 200 hectares of land with the potential to provide over 20,000 job opportunities.
