President Muhammadu Buhari has said that the Kano-Maradi Standard Gauge Rail-Line recently flagged-off, would boost trans-Sahara trade between Nigeria and Niger Republic and contribute to the expected gains in the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement
Edu-Biznews recalled that the rail project which extended from Nigeria to Jibiya border town and Maradi city in Niger Republic, has attracted strong criticism by Critics who condemned such initiative, saying it has no economic benefits to the country.
But Buhari performing the ground breaking of the project on Tuesday, explained that," the project, when completed, would serve import and export of goods for Niger Republic and other countries in the sub-region through Nigerian ports".
He described the rail line project as vital transportation infrastructure aimed at aiding logistics of moving goods and services between Nigeria and other countries in Sub-Sahara Africa.
According to him, "the rail project traverses the major commercial and administrative centre of Kano and passing through other economic hubs of the country including Kazaure, Daura, Katsina and up to the border town of Jibiya".
"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 President stressing the economic importance of the rail project, added that "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".
Buhari also described the standard gauge rail project as viable line that would significantly enhance the movement of passengers and freight
"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 stated.
The project according to Buhari, will serve entire route covering 10 states with close to 80million people in the country with a branch line to Dutse, the Jigawa State capital, to open up the corridor which is endowed with vast resources.
The President commended the Messrs Mota -Engil Nigeria Limited handling the project for investing in the establishment of learning Institution for Transportation and Railway Science.
The construction company handling this project, Messrs Mota-Engil Nigeria Limited is supporting knowledge and technology transfer by investing in the establishment of a learning Institution for Transportation and Railway Science. This is commendable.
On completion, the rail project will be linked with the 1,424 Kilometer Lagos – Kano rail line .
President Buhari also hinted that contract for the Eastern corridor of the country had been awarded for reconstruction of the Port Harcourt – Enugu – Makurdi – Maiduguri rail line with branches to Owerri, Imo state and Damaturu, Yobe state
He explained that the reconstruction would include a deep sea port in Bonny Island and a Railway Industrial Park in Port Harcourt with the objectives of achieving a vibrant and functional railway infrastructure in the Eastern part of the country.
"The Federal Ministry of Transportation and Ministry of Finance have been directed to vigorously act on engagement and concluding financial arrangement with appropriate co-financiers to partner with the Federal Government for the development of the West – East Coastal rail line from Lagos to Calabar and linking Onitsha, Benin, Warri, Yenegao, Port Harcourt, Aba and Uyo.", he revealed.
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