Our Reporter
TRANSPORTATION Minister Rotimi Amaechi on Thursday met the Ambassador of Niger to Nigeria, Alat Mogaskia, on the modalities for the newly approved Kano-Maradi rail line.
The Federal Government, on September 23, 2020, approved a contract for the development of the proposed Kano-Katsina-Jibia to Maradi rail line in Niger Republic and Dutse, the Jigawa State capital, at the cost of $1.96 billion.
At the meeting, Amaechi said there was a need for both countries to meet over the infrastructure the Nigerian government hoped to build in Maradi.
“We are trying to build a rail up to Maradi. We want to meet the state governor on the infrastructure, where it would be located, because we plan to construct rail stations and a warehouse.
“Since the contract was awarded, this is the first meeting we are having to see what we really need to do to get the rail into Maradi. I plan to do a letter by Monday (October 12) to the Minister of Transport in Niger to help us seek approval from the state governor or Federal Government to enable us construct the rail to Maradi.”
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Mogaskia said Niger Republic supported the development because it would open up the economy between both countries.
The ambassador noted that it was not too late to inform the Niger Republic government about the project.
“We are really behind the development. The matter is not too late for Nigerian government to intimate the Niger Republic government about the project. The most important person in the parliament is from Maradi and he welcomes this idea.
“On leaving this place, we will immediately contact all the relevant bodies in Niger Republi. They will all be sensitised about the project.
“Whatever presentation we are making today will get a good reception for a quick response so that the project can go ahead.”
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