Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has further expressed the commitment of his administration to revive the railway systems in the nation and to reduce deficiencies in the nations transport infrastructure.
The President made the statement during the Grand breaking ceremony to mark the construction of the standard guage Kaduna-Kano segment of the Lagos-Kano rail line, held at the Zawaciki area of Kano state north western Nigeria.
He said the Kaduna- Kano rail line will make passengers and freight movement easy.
“The take-off of construction activities on this segment of the Lagos – Kano vividly represents the commitment of this Administration in the revival of Nigerian Railway system, to reduce the deficiency in our transportation infrastructure and drive effective and more efficient transportation of passengers and freight within the country,” said the President.
He said the project would improve supply chain to the corridors through which the rail line will provide services, which will enhance economic development.
“This project is crucial to the establishment of a supply chain in railway transport within its corridor, Kano – Kaduna – Abuja, as it links the major commercial cities of Kano and Kaduna to the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja,” explained the President.
President Buhari said the rail line would equally be linked to the TinCan Island port and all Dry ports on the line will be opened as well as receive goods from abroad.
“This railway connection when completed will establish the ports in Lagos, as the choice for import and export business of the people of landlocked Niger Republic. This would positively drive our economies through employment from new business opportunities and wealth creation.”
“The railway line will be linked to the second Port in Lagos, the Tin Can Island Port. It is also expected that the Inland Dry Port on these routes will be activated and the ports can now receive imports directly from the international market as ports of destination such as the Ibadan, Kaduna and Kano Inland Dry Ports,” stressed the President.
Mr. Buhari said that the Federal Ministry of Transportation and Ministry of Finance are working to engage co-financiers to conclude financial agreements to partner with the Federal Government for the development of the Ibadan – Kano line and to further increase the bankability of the project.
He commended his team both in the Ministry and other project implementation partners that are contributing to this national effort.
The Minister of Transport, Rotimi Ameachi said the 203 Kilometer project, according to the MOU signed with China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation, CCECC, will last for the period of 18 months and bound to employ over 20,000 persons.
He said the Kano rail station, when completed will be “the biggest in Nigeria as it connects to Maradi in Niger Republic, Kaduna, Katsina, Jigawa, yobe and Borno states.”
“The project will fast track economic development as passengers and freight transverse these areas with ease. It will also decongest sea ports in the country.” Said the Minister.
He said the project was part of the 25 year master plan to enhance the Nigerian transport sector.
The minister ceased the occasion to debunk insinuations that the Port-Harcourt to Maiduguri rail line contracts have been cancelled.
Governor of Kano state Dr. Umar Ganduje commended President Buhari for the rail and other projects in the state as they will promote trade and commerce for youth employment.
The governor called on the contractor CCECC to “make effort to complete the project in time as well as promote corporate social responsibility, especially youth employment.
The Chairman the northern governor’s forum Governor, Solomon Lalong said President Buhari’s development strategies were geared towards fulfilling promises made to Nigerians and the forum is ready to support him for meaningful success.
The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, who is also the chairman of CCECC in Nigeria, said the project has enhanced Nigeria’s diplomatic relationship which spans the period of over 50 years.
