DIDP: “Kano State Is Set For Large Economic Transformation” – Gov. Ganduje

By: Janet Samuel

Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje says the State is prepared to take her rightful place as the Commercial centre of the West Africa Sub-Region through her newly unveiled project.

Governor Ganduje stated this at the unveiling of the Dala Inland Dry Port (DIDP) logo and the Economic and Diaspora Investment Summit in Abuja.

He explained that Kano has always had a large commercial settlement more than Lagos as such was earlier identified by the colonial masters.

“Even when the colonial masters arrived the Country through the sea, they were able to identify the economic potential in Kano and did not hesitate to build a railway line up to the state not deterred by distance

“Kano State is due for large economic transformation to occupy its position as the centre of commerce in West Africa sub-region when the project commences

“The ancient city of Kano had exist as a commercial hub in pre-colonial era, the state has produced first generation billionaires like Alhassan Dantata who was in the pre-independence of Nigeria, the richest man in West Africa followed by Isyaku Rabiu

“In-fact, Kano existed before Nigeria was carved out, Kano was able to trade with the world in the pre-colonial era

“When the colonial masters came in through the sea, they built a railway line from Lagos to Kano because of the degree of commerce already in place, you all can remember the groundnut pyramid

“When oil was discovered, everything went upside down but the Buhari administration came in and said that it will no longer be business as usual and they reconstructed the railway line

“Today, Kano is the largest producer of Rice in Nigeria and one of the highest processors of Rice in West Africa” he said.

Governor Ganduje noted that with the upcoming Kano Economic and Diaspora Investment Summit which will take place on 7th May 2022, will create opportunities for the diaspora community to tap into the rich business potential in the State.

The Governor promised to support and provide free land to any member of the diaspora community willing to invest in the State.

In his Keynote Address, Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, said the Dry Port Project when in operation, will reduce the cost of haulage and bring shipping facilities closer to the hinter land.

Amaechi who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Magdalene Ajani noted that the Dry port will among other things, bring shipping activities closer to shippers in the hinterland and increase cargoes throughout, act as a catalyst for improved trade flows, boost inland trading, revitalize export of agricultural products thus leading to multi-product economy.

He said it will also create employment opportunities that would ultimately stem rural – urban migration and act as source of Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to the host state as well as revenue source to the Federal Government.

While assuring the business community and intending investors of Federal Government‘s committed to linking all Dry Ports with rail lines for optimum utilization and efficiency, he added that the Dala Inland Dry Port in Zawachiki, Kumbotso Local Government, would be linked to the Lagos–Kano Standard Gauge Rail line under construction as well as the Narrow Gauge already in existence.

Amaechi also promised that the project will be given the needed attention for it’s existence.

Speaking, the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu said the emirate has already constituted a Committee to work with the State Government to ensure that the Dala Inland Dry Port project is achieved soonest.

On his part, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Emmanuel Jime said that the DIDP which is among the six Dry port projects being executed by the present administration, will give Nigeria a competitive edge in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

He disclosed that Kano State Government has already released the sum of N2.5bn which was utilized in the provision of access road, electricity, perimeter fencing, provision of water facility among others at the project site.

In her speech, the Chief Executive Officer and Chairperson of Nigeria in Diaspora Commission called on other States to emulate Kano State in a project of such magnitude, urging the State to ensure that the diaspora is considered into the policies of the Country.

Earlier, the Chairman of Dala Inland Dry Port, Abubakar Bawuro, commended the efforts of Governor Ganduje to deliver the project in his administration and also the Minister of transportation, Rotimi Amaechi for his support at ensuring the project see the light of the day in the nearest period.

High point of the event was the official unveiling of the Dala Inland Dry Port (DIDP) logo.

In attendance were sons and Daughters, businessmen and women from Kano state and others from the diaspora.