By Folashade Alli
The Federal Government has resolved to link up two landlocked neighbours, Republics of Niger and Chad with rail lines in order to ease delivery of goods on transit through the Nigerian ports.
Minister of Transport, Senator Idris Umar who disclosed this in Calabar recently at the World Maritime Day said studies have been commissioned on how to link up Katsina to Maradi in Republic of Niger and Maiduguri to Gamboru-Ngala up to Njamena in Republic of Chad.
Umar noted that the arrangement was part of a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) being considered by the Nigerian government on how to facilitate the clearance of cargoes on transit for the two countries.
“Through the Nigeria-Niger Joint Commission, efforts are being made to facilitate the transit of Niger Republic bound cargo through Nigerian sea ports. Already, a draft MoU is being considered by the Nigerian government on how to facilitate the clearance of such transit goods in the Nigerian sea ports.
“Feasibility studies are ongoing for the construction of rail lines linking Katsina to Maradi in Niger Republic and from Maiduguri to Gamboru-Ngala to link up Njamena in Chad under the Port Sudan rail project,” the minister said.
Umar had earlier observed: “In terms of regional cooperation, Nigeria appreciates the special development needs of the landlocked countries in establishing sustainable transit transport systems particularly in the construction, maintenance and improvement in their transport, storage and other transit-related facilities”.
The minister, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transport, Engr. Nebolisa Emordi, informed the audience that considerable progress had been recorded in making the Calabar river channel navigable to enable the port render the needed services to port users in line with the expected cargo throughput.
“I am happy to announce that Mr. President has graciously approved the establishment of the Calabar Channel Management Company in partnership with the Nigerian ports Authority (NPA). The Joint Venture Company (JVC) is expected to commence operation soon,” he said.