By Abiola David
The China Development Bank (CDB) has reportedly approved a loan of $254.76 million (N198 trillion) for the construction of the Kano-Kaduna railway project in Nigeria.
This was made known in a press statement issued by the bank. In the statement, the financial institution announced that the funding is aimed at ensuring the smooth continuation of the project, which involves building a 203-kilometer standard-gauge railway line connecting Kano, a major commercial hub in northern Nigeria, to Abuja, the nation’s capital.
The project is expected to enhance regional connectivity, provide safer and more efficient transport options, and stimulate economic growth by encouraging industrial development along its route.
Also, the railway project is part of the practical cooperation initiatives under the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, with construction being handled by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC).
The statement reads in part: “The Kano-Kaduna railway, with a total length of 203 kilometers, is a standard-gauge railway.
“Once completed, it will provide direct rail connectivity between Kano, an important northern city in Nigeria, and the country’s capital Abuja, offering local residents a safe, efficient, and convenient mode of transportation.
“The Kano-Kaduna railway project has been included in the list of practical cooperation projects for the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation.”
The bank said the construction is progressing smoothly, reiterating its commitment to working closely with the Nigerian government to ensure the disbursement of funds and effective management of the next phases of the project.
It would be recalled that on July 15, 2021, former President Muhammadu Buhari flagged off the construction of the Kano-Kaduna railway project.
The rail project is the third segment of the Lagos-Kano standard gauge railway modernisation project.
The first segment (Abuja-Kaduna) and the second segment (Lagos-Ibadan) were inaugurated for commercial operations in July 2016 and June 2021, respectively
