The Federal Government of Nigeria and the Republic of Niger have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) over the Kano-Maradi train line.
The MoU was signed by the Minister of Transportation, Mu’azu Jaji Sambo, and the Minister of Transportation of the Republic of Niger, Alma Oumarou, in Abuja
Sambo stressed the importance of the Nigeria-Niger Republic rail line, explaining that the project would boost trade and other socio-economic interactions between both countries and in the continent.
He noted that the rail line, which will go from Kano in Nigeria and end at Maradi in Niger Republic, would facilitate the realisation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, to which Nigeria and Niger Republic are signatories.
“I am aware that people have blood relationship across the borders, so the project will expand historical cultural relationship between the people of Nigeria and those of Niger Republic.
“The project is also very important in enhancing inter-nation and continental trade”, the Minister added.
On the implementation of the project, Sambo said that a Technical Committee would be set up within seven days in accordance with Article 3 of the MoU, adding that nomination of members and inauguration of the Technical Committee would be concluded by the first week of next month.
According to him, after its inauguration, the Technical Committee would take charge of the facilitation and implementation of the project
Earlier, Oumarou corroborated his Nigerian counterpart that the rail project would promote inter-national and continental trade, strengthen cultural ties between the two countries and create jobs.
In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Transportation, Dr Magdalene Ajani said that work has been ongoing on the project for the past two years.
She added that the signing of the MoU would expedite the completion of the project.
