The introduction of the Kano-Port Harcourt intercity train services would revive and enhance the weakened economic relationship between Northwest states and their Southeast counterparts, Kano State government has said.
The state government reacting to the inauguration of a 68-seater railway coaches that are scheduled to shuttle Kano- Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt-Kano, said the rebirth of railway services on that route would provide easy conveyance and delivery of goods at affordable rate, thereby boosting economic relationship and job creation.
The government praised the Nigeria Railway Corporation for the efforts, while expressing the optimism that the new train serve would be beneficiary to its people.
The Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sunusi II, while opening the train recalled the historical significance of the Kano- Port Harcourt train route, stating that it was a major player in the success of trading activities between the North and the South.
Emir Sunusi expressed the hope that the rejuvenated train services would unite Nigerians and strengthen the spirit of peace co-existence amongst them.
Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC)’s Managing Director Adeseyi Sijuade, an engineer said that, the motive behind the introduction of the train services from Kano to Port Harcourt is to boost economic activities between Kano, the Southeast and Southsouth.
He said, the inter city train services would enable traders to ferry textiles materials , perfumes , cosmetics, jewelries by rail from Kano to, Benue, Enugu, , Aba, and Port Harcourt.
The intercity train would travel through Madobi, Dangora, Kura, Zaria, Kaduna, Zonkwa, Kafanchan, Wasai, Agyaragu, Markudi, Oturkpo, Ehamufu, Enugu, Ovim-Amaba, Umahai and Aba stations.
The 100 years old Kano train station is now a Mecca of sort as prospective passenger and curious residents keep besieging the station.