The Minister of Transport, Sen. Ahmed Alkali, expressed his delight at the progress of the $2 billion Kano-Maradi standard gauge rail project connecting Niger Republic.
Speaking to reporters in Dadin Kowa, Jigawa State, after inspecting the project, Alkali emphasized the project’s significance in boosting the economies of both Nigeria and Niger Republic.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring the timely completion of the Kano-Jigawa-Maradi rail line project.
Alkali acknowledged the necessity of making sacrifices, including concessions from the contractors, to meet the project’s financial requirements.
The minister, who traveled by road from Kano to Daura, expressed satisfaction with the work accomplished thus far and was optimistic that the project would meet its target completion date of 2025.
The standard gauge rail project, which commenced in Kano and passes through Jigawa and Katsina States before terminating in Maradi, Niger Republic, holds great promise for regional trade and development.
Alkali revealed that the earthwork for the project had reached an impressive 80% completion stage, with rail line construction set to commence soon. He praised the contractors for adhering to the job’s specifications and expressed confidence that the project would stay on course.
Regarding potential cost adjustments due to rising production expenses, the minister encouraged the contractor to make necessary contributions to support the nation’s development under the Tinubu-led administration.
Lead Contractor, Mr. Vladislav Bystrenko, clarified that the contract was valued at $1.95 billion, with contractual obligations signed in 2021. Despite funding delays, they proactively initiated key tasks like design, land survey, and site supervision to expedite the project’s progress.
Bystrenko expressed appreciation for the government’s commitment to the project’s timely completion by 2025.
Meanwhile, during the visit, the minister also inspected the Muhammadu Buhari University of Transportation in Daura, where the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Adam Umar, announced plans to commence admissions in October.
