By Anthony Areh
The federal government of Nigeria has entered into a $1.595 billion agreement with Mota- Engil Group for the construction of Kano-Maradi Standard Gauge Railway lines.
The minister of Transportation, Mr Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, signed on behalf of the federal government while the managing director, Mota- Engil, Mr Antonio Gvoea signed on behalf of the contracting firm.
The new railway corridor which is to be located in northern Nigeria will run through three states – Kano, Jigawa and Katsina and through Niger territory as far as Maradi.
Other cities that will be connected with the rail line in Nigeria are: Danbatta, Kazaure, Daura, Mashi, Katsina and Jibiya.
The director of press of the ministry of Transportation, Mr Eric Ojiekwe explained that “the 283.750 kilometre rail line, besides developing freight and passenger transport as it will be integrated with road transport, will make a great contribution to the local economy as well as an important development in the social sector.”
The project duration is for 36 months and the contract type is Engineering, Procurement and Construction.
