The management of Dala Inland Dry Port Limited has refuted social media claims alleging that members of the family of former Kano State governor and ex-All Progressives Congress National Chairman, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, are shareholders in the company.
In a statement released in Abuja on Wednesday, the company’s Secretary, Adamu Sanda, dismissed the allegations as “false, misleading, and politically motivated.”
According to Sanda, neither the Ganduje family nor the Kano State Government has ever held any ownership interest in the firm.
“Verified records from the Corporate Affairs Commission and official board resolutions clearly show that no member of the Ganduje family has ever been a shareholder, director, or signatory in Dala Inland Dry Port,” the statement read.
He explained that the company decided to issue the clarification in response to what it described as a series of malicious online posts alleging that Ganduje’s children were each allocated five million shares through a supposed “ordinary resolution” that restructured the company’s ownership.
“This claim is a fabrication. The alleged resolution document is not authentic. It was single-handedly authored and signed … without the consent or knowledge of other directors,” Sanda stated.
“Official company records at the CAC make no reference to such a resolution, and there is no legal or corporate evidence supporting the existence of any share allotment to Ganduje’s children.”
Providing further background, Sanda noted that Dala Inland Dry Port was originally established and managed by businessman Ahmad Rabi’u and his partners before City Green Enterprises later invested in the long-dormant project.
He disclosed that CGE acquired 80 per cent of the company’s shares, while Rabi’u retained 20 per cent, which he reportedly has yet to complete payment for.
“At no point did the transaction include the Kano State Government or any member of the Ganduje family,” he emphasized.
The company equally debunked reports suggesting that the Kano State Government owns a 20 per cent stake or has representation on its board.
“The Kano State Government has never owned equity in Dala Inland Dry Port. Its only involvement came through Corporate Social Responsibility support at the request of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council to facilitate the revival of the port project,” the secretary clarified.
Sanda further revealed that the Nigerian Shippers’ Council had issued a letter of appreciation to the state government for providing essential infrastructure at the Zawaciki Inland Port site, emphasizing that such gestures did not translate into ownership.
“CSR assistance, by definition, is purely developmental support aimed at benefiting traders, businesses, and logistics operators in the state,” he added.
He also dismissed claims that one Abdullahi Haruna, said to represent the Kano government’s interest, sits on the company’s board.
Located in Kano State, the Dala Inland Dry Port project is one of Nigeria’s flagship logistics hubs designed to ease congestion at seaports and boost economic growth across northern Nigeria.
Originally conceived in the early 2000s under the supervision of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, the project was intended to serve as an international trade gateway for the northern region.
However, it has suffered several setbacks over the years, ranging from delays and management disputes to political controversies surrounding ownership and control.
Analysts believe that the renewed claims linking Ganduje’s family to the port project are likely tied to the ongoing political tensions in Kano, where the former governor’s activities have come under increased scrutiny since he left office in 2023.
