Kaduna-Kano standard gauge will create 20,000 jobs, promote trade — Buhari

By Seun Ibiyemi & By Salim Umar Ibrahim, Kano

President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday said the Kaduna-Kano standard gauge railway will create 20,000 employments and promote trade across the country.

Buhari delivering his speech during the groundbreaking ceremony in Kano said the construction take-off of Lagos–Kano vividly represents the commitment of his administration at reviving Nigerian Railway system, reduce the deficiency in transportation infrastructure and efficient transportation of passengers and freight within the country.

According to him, “The groundbreaking ceremony for Kano- Kaduna segment of the Lagos–Kano railway modernization project signifies an important milestone of the construction of the third segment, having completed and commenced commercial operation on the first segment Abuja–Kaduna and recently the second segment Lagos-Ibadan.

“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.

“This railway connection when completed will establish the ports in Lagos, 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 railway line will be linked to the second Port in Lagos, the Tin Can Island Port.

“It is also expected that the Inland Dry Port on these routes will be activated and the ports can now receive imports directly from the international market as ports of destination such as the Ibadan, Kaduna and Kano Inland Dry Ports.”

He, then, commended the Honourable Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, for his focus and resolve that represents the drive of his administration in railway infrastructure development.

Also speaking at the groundbreaking the Honourable Minister of transportation expressed that the scope of the railway project involves a 203km double track standard gauge railway from Kano to Kaduna.

According to him, “The railway along this route traverses the major cities of Kaduna, Zaria and Kano with three railway stations both for passenger and freight services at Rigachukun, Zaria and Kano with varying capacities and categories.

“The project will no doubt improve the standard of living of citizens within its corridor, create employment and promote trade.

“In the long term the railway will help decongest the Lagos Port Complex and increase its efficiency as well as further increase the viability of the Inland Dry Ports located in Ibadan, Kaduna and Kano.

“The rail line is also provided with accessories and special installations including Power and Water Supply schemes, Signalling System & Communication in GSM-R, Freight yards, Rolling stock depots and maintenance workshops.

“This project will link the Federal Capital, Abuja with the Commercial city of Kano and also link the ongoing Kano-Maradi project. The outstanding addendum, Ibadan – Abuja, will link the Sea Ports in Lagos to Maradi, Niger Republic.”

“This, I believe will greatly boost trade between the two countries and foster economic development. This railway line, will present an opportunity for Nigerians to traverse between Abuja and Kano via Kaduna with relative ease.

“The Federal Ministry of Transportation will continue to work assiduously in line with Mr. President’s directives, to implement all the corridors within the Nigeria Railway ‘Modernization project and progressively expand the railway network.”

Earlier in his remarks, Kano state Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje said the dedication and commitment of the federal government in reviving the transport sector was a clear indication of how Nigeria’s economy would bounce back after the effects of COVID-19.

He maintained that the state government would do everything within its powers to provide adequate security of lives and properties, free and compulsory education, and quality healthcare delivery.

Ganduje appreciated the federal government for Initiating laudable projects in Kano, among which were Modern Correctional Centre, Solar Power Station in Kumbotso, Reconstruction of Kano ,Kaduna Abuja dual carriage way among Others.

Also speaking the Emir of Kano Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero charged Buhari to intensify more efforts towards insecurity and economy.

He described Buhari as a remarkable leader who had visited Kano on several occasions.

He called on Nigerians to intensify prayers for the security and unity of Nigerians.