The Northern Youth Assembly (NYA) has given the Federal Government a 14-day ultimatum to provide clear and comprehensive updates on the status of the Dala Inland Dry Port in Kano and the Kolmani Integrated Development Project in Bauchi and Gombe states.
In a press statement issued on behalf of youths across the 19 Northern states, the group expressed concern over what it described as prolonged delays, uncertainty, and lack of transparency surrounding the two key economic projects.
The NYA noted that both initiatives were initially presented as transformative ventures capable of driving industrial growth, boosting trade, and enhancing energy development in the region. However, it lamented that progress on the projects appears to have stalled, raising doubts among stakeholders.
Kano First
Speaking on the Dala Inland Dry Port, the group said the facility, once designated as a “port of origin and final destination,” has yet to operate at full capacity. It stressed that instead of reducing logistics costs and generating employment, the port remains largely underutilized.
The assembly therefore called on the Federal Government to urgently clarify the status and timeline of the Kano–Kaduna railway project, which it described as critical to the dry port’s effective operation. It also demanded full disclosure of any legal, administrative, or ownership challenges hindering the facility’s functionality.
On the Kolmani oil exploration project, the NYA recalled that the initiative had sparked widespread optimism following its launch, particularly as a milestone for oil production in Northern Nigeria. The group, however, decried the reported inactivity at the site for nearly two years, describing the situation as unacceptable.
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It urged the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) to provide a clear and binding timeline for the resumption of drilling activities, as well as the completion of key components of the project, including the proposed refinery and fertilizer plant.
The group further demanded transparency regarding the reported $3 billion foreign direct investment tied to the Kolmani project, seeking clarification on whether the funding remains active or is at risk.
According to the statement, failure by the Federal Government to respond within the 14-day deadline would compel the assembly to pursue “all legitimate and democratic avenues” to demand accountability.
The NYA emphasized that the economic future of Northern Nigeria should not be reduced to political promises, noting that the projects hold significant potential for job creation, revenue generation, and improved security through economic inclusion.
The statement was signed by the National Assistant Publicity Secretary of the Northern Youth Assembly, Comrade Mohammed Hussaini Bauchi.