President Muhammadu Buhari has flagged off 203.8 kilometers of the Kaduna -Kano segment of Lagos – Kano railway modernization project.
President Buhari during the ground breaking ceremony in Kano Thursday, said the 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.
He said the take-off of construction activities on the segment of the Lagos – Kano 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.
He explained that upon the completion, Kaduna – Kano railway project is to link the Lagos – Ibadan Railway project via Abuja, Minna, Ilorin, Oshogbo, Ibadan to Lagos on one end, and Maradi, Niger Republic on the other.
According to him, the 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.
He further said it would positively drive our economies through employment from new business opportunities and wealth creation.
He commended the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi, for his focus and resolve that represents the drive of his administration in railway infrastructure development.
Also, Amaechi explained that the scope of the railway project involves a 203km double track standard gauge railway from Kano to Kaduna.
He further said the railway along this route traverses the major cities of Kaduna, Zaria and Kano with three (3) railway stations both for passenger and freight services at Rigachukun, Zaria and Kano with varying capacities and categories.
“This project will link the Federal Capital, Abuja with the Commercial city of Kano and also link the ongoing Kano – Maradi project.
“The outstanding addendum, Ibadan – Abuja, will link the Sea Ports in Lagos to Maradi, Niger Republic. This I believe will greatly boost trade between the two countries and foster economic development.” He said.
“This railway line, will present an opportunity for Nigerians to traverse between Abuja and Kano via Kaduna with relative ease,” he said .
He also assured that the Ministry is finalizing plans to commence construction of the remaining addendum; Ibadan – Abuja to complete the entire stretch of the Lagos – Kano Railway Modernization project.
According to him, the first of the modernization project in the 25-Year Strategic Vision plan of the Federal Government to revitalize moribund railway transport subsector.
