The Nigerian federal government has said that the Nigeria-Republic of Niger railway line will boost trade and other socio-economic interactions between the two countries and on the mainland.
Transport Minister Mu’azu Jaji Sambo affirmed this in Abuja at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the project between Nigeria and the Republic of Niger.
The minister signed for Nigeria while the Minister of Transport of the Republic of Niger, Alma Oumarou, signed for her country.
The minister pointed out that the railway line, which will start from Kano state in Nigeria and end in Maradi in the Republic of Niger, will facilitate the realization of the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfFTA), of which Nigeria and the Republic of Niger are signatories. .
He said: “I am aware that people have blood relationships across borders, so the project will further the historical and cultural relationship between the people of Nigeria and the Republic of Niger. The project is also very important to improve international and continental trade”.
The director of press and public relations of the Ministry of Transport, Henshaw Ogubike, also questioned the minister explaining that a technical committee would be established within seven days in accordance with Article 3 of the MoU, adding that the nomination of members and the Inauguration of the technical committee committee would conclude the first week of February 2023.
According to him, after its inauguration, the technical committee will take over the facilitation and execution of the project.
Speaking earlier, Oumarou stated that the railway project will promote international and continental trade, strengthen cultural ties between the two countries and create jobs.
