Toba Owojaiye reporting
Abuja, Nigeria
The China Development Bank (CDB) has approved a €245 million ($254.76 million) loan to support the Kano-Kaduna railway project, according to a statement released on Tuesday. The project is a critical segment of Nigeria’s national railway development plan and aligns with China’s Belt and Road Initiative for infrastructure development in partner countries.
Truth Live News gathered that the 203-kilometer standard-gauge line will connect Kano, a commercial hub in northern Nigeria, to Abuja, the nation’s capital, promising safer and more efficient transportation. Its completion is expected to boost economic growth by fostering industrial development along the corridor and creating jobs during construction and operations.
The project is being implemented by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC). Following the withdrawal of the China Exim Bank, the CDB stepped in as the financier, underscoring its commitment to ensuring the project’s progress.
This loan approval is the latest in Nigeria’s efforts to revitalize its railway sector. Other recent railway projects include:
Lagos-Ibadan Railway: Completed in 2021, this standard-gauge railway connects Lagos to Ibadan, reducing travel time significantly and bolstering economic activities.
Itakpe-Warri Railway: Operational since 2020, this line connects Nigeria’s iron ore and steel-producing areas, fostering industrial growth.
Abuja-Kaduna Railway: A 186-kilometer line completed in 2016, offering a safe alternative to road transport in a region previously plagued by insecurity.
These projects reflect Nigeria’s strategic focus on improving connectivity, enhancing trade, and supporting sustainable development. The railway sector is also vital for reducing reliance on road transport, cutting carbon emissions, and integrating the country’s diverse regions.
The announcement comes as Wang Yi, China’s Foreign Minister, is set to visit Abuja to discuss further cooperation between the two nations. His visit underscores China’s growing role in Nigeria’s infrastructure development, which is essential for unlocking the country’s economic potential.
With $44.4 billion budgeted for railway projects in 2024, including the Lagos-Ibadan and Abuja-Kaduna routes, the Federal Government remains optimistic about completing the Kano-Kaduna railway by the end of this year. These developments signify a major shift in Nigeria’s infrastructural landscape, setting the stage for long-term economic transformation.
While the expansion of Nigeria’s railway network offers numerous opportunities, questions remain about debt sustainability, maintenance, and the equitable distribution of benefits. Public sentiment calls for transparency and long-term planning to ensure these projects truly serve the broader population.