By John Ikani
President Muhammadu Buhari has flagged off the construction of the 203 kilometres Kano-Kaduna railway project.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony held at Zawaciki, in Dawakin Kudu Local Government Area of the state, president Buhari said the take-off of the project vividly represents the commitment of his administration towards the revival of the Nigerian Railway system.
The president said his administration recognises rail transportation as a potent economic driver and as such, has accorded railway infrastructure development the greatest priority.
He indicated that the project would reduce existing deficiencies in Nigeria’s transportation infrastructure, as well as result in an effective and a more efficient passengers and freight transportation system within the country.
“This 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 added.
He added that rail project will be linked to the ports in Lagos, to establish it as the choice for import and export business of the people of landlocked Niger Republic.
“This would positively drive our economies through employment from new business opportunities and wealth creation,” the president added.
In his remarks, Minister of Transportation Rotimi Ameachi disclosed that the scope of the railway project involved a 203km double track standard gauge railway from Kano to Kaduna.
“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,” he stated.
He said that the project would improve the standard of living of citizens within its corridor, create employment and promote trade.
He tasked the construction company and the project consultant to ensure the completion of the project within the 18-month timeline specified in the contract while insisting that the project must be commissioned by President Buhari.
Present at the event were the Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and the Chairman of Progressive Governors Forum, Governor Simon Lalong.
Governor Ganduje, in his remarks, expressed gratitude to president Buhari for the numerous projects and appointments extended to the people of Kano State while pledging the goodwill and support of the people of Kano.
