FG Secures $1.3bn For Kano-Niger Republic Rail Line

The Federal Government, through the Minister of Transportation, Said Alkali, has reached a milestone in the funding of the Kano-Katsina-Jibiya-Maradi Railway Project, by securing $1.3bn for the ongoing project.

This was according to a statement signed by the minister’s Special Assistant, Public Affairs, Jamilu Ja’afaru, on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, in Abuja.

This achievement marks a step forward in the completion of a vital infrastructure that promises to strengthen the socio-economic bond between Nigeria and Niger Republic.

“The securing of $1.3bn for the Kano-Katsina-Jibiya-Maradi Railway Project is a significant accomplishment.

“The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Fidet Okhiria, and a senior director with the African Development Bank, Muhammad Abdulrazak, have both endorsed the project as a catalyst for positive change, fostering economic growth and regional cooperation”, the statement partly read.

The statement noted that the recent visit by the Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the China Export and Credit Insurance Corporation, Tang Zhigang, and his delegation, further bolstered optimism for the rail project’s potential to lay the groundwork for future prosperity between the two nations.

“The Kano-Katsina-Jibiya-Maradi rail line is a testament to our shared history and ambition for economic advancement. It will create a lasting legacy of wealth and opportunities for Nigeria and the Niger Republic”, Alkali noted.

The statement emphasised that as the project advances, the Federal Government remains dedicated to realising a vision of progress and unity.

It also added that the Ministry of Transportation will continue to provide updates on this transformative venture, marking each achievement as we journey towards a brighter and more connected future. – PUNCH