Kano-Maradi Rail Project Boosted by $350 Million from African Development Bank

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has provided $350 million to Nigeria’s Federal Government, supporting the ambitious Kano-Maradi rail project. This funding drives a transformative initiative to modernize Nigeria’s transportation infrastructure. This was reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

During an oversight visit to the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) in Lagos, Senator Adamu Aliero, chair of the Senate Committee on Land Transport, confirmed this substantial financial support.

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He noted that President Bola Tinubu’s recent trip to China advanced negotiations for securing 85% of the project’s required funding. The planned investment of over ₦530 billion aims to drive comprehensive rail modernization throughout Nigeria.

Major Investment Drives Progress in Kano-Maradi Rail Project

The counterpart funding will come from multiple international sources, including the China Exim Bank, the International Finance Corporation, and AfDB. During the committee’s inspection, members expressed satisfaction with the ongoing rail construction, particularly on the Lagos-Abeokuta line, marking significant progress for the Kano-Maradi rail project.

According to NRC’s acting managing director, Lagos-Ibadan rail services are now operational, and Ebuta Meta Station has been connected to the Apapa seaport. This vital connectivity supports freight services from Ibadan to Lagos, Kano to Lagos, and Funtua to Apapa. Additional routes between Port Harcourt and Aba, as well as Warri to Itakpe, are functional, enhancing both passenger and freight transport.

NRC has been resilient in restoring services following previous security challenges caused by bandit attacks. The committee voiced appreciation for NRC’s efforts to maintain safe and uninterrupted operations. Aliero reiterated the committee’s commitment to supporting NRC legislatively and ensuring the agency meets its mandate of delivering quality rail services nationwide.

The legislative body praised NRC’s commitment to high standards, particularly in ticketing and customer services across stations. Aliero acknowledged the valuable technical contributions of the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), emphasizing the importance of technology transfer to Nigerian workers. This skill transfer ensures that Nigerian personnel will be able to maintain and operate rail infrastructure independently.

The senator highlighted recent legislative changes allowing states to develop rail infrastructure alongside the federal government. By moving railway responsibilities into the Concurrent Legislative List, this amendment permits states to establish their rail lines, while NRC remains the regulatory authority ensuring consistent standards. Aliero encouraged state governments to create accessible roads to train stations, supporting both passenger and freight movement.

With thousands of passengers and millions of tonnes of goods transported across Nigeria’s regions, collaboration between federal and state governments is essential. Aliero emphasized that the Federal Government alone cannot handle this substantial task. State governments must play a crucial role in making transportation networks accessible and efficient, connecting rural and urban areas effectively.

NRC’s acting managing director, Ben Iloanusi, outlined the organization’s efforts in technical training, noting that the Railway Technical School, now in Lagos, provides essential training for railway staff and the wider community. The school collaborates with the National Directorate of Employment to offer skills training, which includes a three-year course equivalent to a diploma.

Kano-Maradi Rail Project to Transform Nigeria’s Transportation Infrastructure

Iloanusi also provided updates on the Kajola Locomotive Wagon Rolling Stock plant, which has an annual capacity of 500 wagons. The plant works in partnership with CCECC to assemble rolling stock vital to expanding Nigeria’s rail network. This production aligns with NRC’s goals, providing the required infrastructure to support the rail network’s growth.

The expansion of training programs also involves the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority, strengthening local expertise in railway management. NRC’s focus on technical skill-building empowers local staff, ensuring they are prepared to manage the country’s railway assets in the long term.

In summary, partnerships among federal and state governments, reinforced by international collaboration, position Nigeria to meet its ambitious rail infrastructure goals. The ongoing development, combined with rigorous training programs, builds a strong foundation for a robust rail network that will transform Nigeria’s transportation landscape.

Photo, source: businessday.ng

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