Almost 3 years after, Kaduna port lacks rail evacuation of cargoes

Almost three years after President Mohammadu Buhari commissioned the Kaduna Inland Dry Port (KIDP) as the first dry port in Nigeria, and more than five years since it was gazetted as a port of origin and port of destination, findings have revealed that the facility is still not receiving or evacuating cargoes by rail.

In a presentation made at the first KIDP Business Talk held recently in Kaduna, the General Manager of the KIDP, Mr. Rotimi Raimi Hassan, expressed optimism that by the first quarter of 2021, the facility will start receiving cargoes by rail.

According to him “It is my pleasure to welcome you all to the 1st KIDPL Business Talk and for being here with us today November 26, 2020. Today marks our first Annual Business Talk meeting and we are proud to be able to host it today here at the first Dry Port in Nigeria – Kaduna Inland Dry Port Limited, Kaduna.

“The purpose of this gathering is to seek for your patronage, and enduring support by making use of our facilities provided at the port. We hope that the Business Talk topic for today: ‘Process of Customs Documentation and Seamless Delivery of Cargos at Kaduna Inland Dry Port’ will go a long way to appreciate the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in their effort to facilitate trade in Nigeria.

“Furthermore, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to all of you who generously helped us to make this event a success. My appreciation goes to my able team members here at the Kaduna port, and the CAC NCS who made a great sacrifice despite his busy schedule to honor our invitation.  We could not have done it without you sir.

“We have embarked on courtesy visits to manufacturers and business groups in Kaduna and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, in the last two weeks, to sensitize and seek for port patronage to dry port facilities provided for imported goods clearing and forwarding exported goods.

“Kaduna Inland Dry Port was commissioned on January 4, 2018, and gazetted on May 26, 2015 as a port of origin and port of destination.

“We have been in operations since then but have been trying to sort out issues that are mitigating against the full commencement of operations. Some of these challenges are now being resolved.

“For instance, we are still faced with the challenges of rail haulage, which is the most essential tool for optimal dry port operations. We however wish to inform you all that KIDP is strategically located and structured for you to clear all your import goods and at the same time to do your export forwarding without hindrance. It is my pleasure to inform you that KIDPL will soon start receiving cargos by rail, from the first quarter of 2021, which will in no doubt reduce the cost of transportation of cargoes to KIDP from Lagos seaports.”

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