President Muhammadu Buhari says the proposed rail line from Kano to Maradi in Niger Republic will go a long way in boosting trade relations between the two neighbouring countries.
The President, who made the remark on Tuesday at the ground-breaking ceremony of the rail line, said when completed, the project would also enhance the gains of the African Continental Free Trade zone.
According to President Buhari: “The rail line traverses the major commercial and administrative centre of Kano and passes through other economic hubs of the country including Kazaure, Daura, Katsina and up to the border town of Jibiya and the Niger Republic city of Maradi. The cities of Jibiya and Maradi constitute a significant trading core between Nigeria and Niger Republic – a tradition dating back many centuries.
“The project, when completed, would serve import and export of goods for Niger Republic and other countries in the sub-region through Nigerian ports. The country would earn revenue through expansion of trade and commerce, while the people of Niger Republic will benefit from ease of transportation logistics at affordable cost in their import and export business.
“The connection to Niger Republic through rail will also foster Trans-Sahara trade and contribute to the expected gains in the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement” President Buhari said.
He further said that over 80 million Nigerians stand to benefit from the laudable project, which would also boost rail transportation connectivity between the Southern and Northern regions of Nigeria.
“This vital infrastructure line will establish an end-to-end logistic supply chain in railway transport services between Northern and Southern regions of the country, reaching Nigerian southern ports of Lagos and Warri.
“The entire route encompasses territory inhabited by close to 80 million people across 10 states of the country. This project has a branch line to Dutse the capital of Jigawa state to open up this corridor which is endowed with vast resources.
“The Kano – Maradi rail line has been identified as a viable line that will significantly enhance the movement of passengers and freight to the hinterland, especially raw materials from both agricultural and mineral resources for our industries,” he said.
Achievements of administration
President Buhari used the occasion to highlight some of the achievements his administration has recorded in the transportation sector, adding that by the time it achieves all its planned projects, the sector would be better for it.
“I believe, when all these initiatives of our Administration are realized, the country would have overcome the infrastructural deficiency in the Transportation sector.
“Businesses will be able to take full advantage of the availability of an affordable and effective transportation backbone that can transform industrial and economic activity to a higher level. I also enjoin our private sectors to invest and participate in the realization of these very promising economic opportunities,” the President noted.
He commended the construction company handling the project for supporting knowledge and technology transfer by investing in the establishment of a learning Institution for Transportation and Railway Science in Nigeria.
The President, who virtually addressed the gathering in Katsina from the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, was supported by the Secretary to the Government of the federation, Boss Mustapha, his Chief of Staff, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, Minister of State-Transportation, Gbemisola Saraki and the Governor of the Central Bank, Godwin Emefiele.
The project, which started in 2019, is expected to be completed in 2023. It comprises 387km, with a 93km branch line to Dutse, the capital of Nigeria’s North-western State of Jigawa.
Emmanuel Ukoh
