FG Seeks Chinese Fund To Modernise Railway

Federal Government of Nigeria plans to seek funding assistance from China to construct rail projects in the country.

This initiative follows directives from President Bola Tinubu. Vice President Kashim Shettima is expected to engage with Chinese President Xi Jinping to secure funds for the Ibadan-Abuja and Kaduna-Kano rail projects.

The transportation minister, Senator Said Alkali, disclosed this yesterday during an inspection of the Kaduna-Kano rail projects by the National Assembly Joint Committee on Land Transport.

The minister acknowledged that funding issues have stalled progress but noted that the federal government has secured funds for the Kano-Kaduna segment.

“The president is committed to ensuring these projects are completed and operational because transportation is a key driver of economic growth and a gateway to the nation’s economy. It is one of the eight priority areas of the current administration.

“The president has directed the vice president to engage President Xi in bilateral discussions on financing the Ibadan-Abuja and Kaduna-Kano rail projects. So far, funds have been released for Kaduna-Kano, and we are finalising the loan drawdown to secure financing. Serious engagement with the Chinese government is ongoing for the Ibadan-Abuja segment,” said Alkali.

The minister also mentioned efforts to work with security agencies to deploy surveillance and prevent vandalism of rail infrastructure. “The ministry and the Nigerian Railway Corporation are working hard to ensure these vandals do not destroy our properties. We are deploying major surveillance in conjunction with security agencies to protect these assets.”

The chairman of the Senate Committee on Land Transport, Sen. Adamu Aliero, condemned the vandalism and sale of public infrastructure.

He indicated that the Senate was considering legislation to criminalise such acts, possibly including the death penalty for those found guilty.

“Vandalism is a severe issue affecting not only rail lines but also power installations, oil and gas infrastructure, and bridges. We are contemplating strong legislation that would impose severe penalties, potentially including the death penalty, to deter such crimes.”

He also pledged the National Assembly’s commitment to the timely completion of the rail projects. “We rode from Kano to Makarfi and were impressed with the progress. The dedication of the ministry and the contractor is evident, and we hope the project can be completed by the 2025 or 2026 deadline. To ensure timely completion, we will address funding challenges with the Debt Management Office, the minister of finance, the attorney general, and the minister of transportation.”

Mrs Blessing Onuh, a committee member in the House of Representatives, indicated that the National Assembly might review existing rail contracts to include anti-theft mechanisms due to vandalism.

“Railway transportation is crucial for national development, and we must urgently address the funding issue. We must also incorporate anti-theft mechanisms into the contracts to prevent further vandalism.”