The China Development Bank (CDB) has approved a $254.76 million loan to support the construction of the Kano-Kaduna railway project in Nigeria.
In a statement on Tuesday, the bank emphasized that the funding aims to ensure the smooth progress of the infrastructure project, which is being executed by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC).
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“The Kano-Kaduna railway, with a total length of 203 kilometers, is a standard-gauge railway,” the statement read. “Once completed, it will provide direct rail connectivity between Kano, an important northern city in Nigeria, and the country’s capital Abuja, offering local residents a safe, efficient, and convenient mode of transportation.”
Beyond enhancing transportation, the bank highlighted that the project is expected to drive economic growth along the railway corridor, create job opportunities, and boost related industries.
“The Kano-Kaduna railway project has been included in the list of practical cooperation projects for the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation,” the CDB added.
The bank assured continued collaboration with the Nigerian government to ensure effective fund disbursement and management of subsequent project phases.
The Kano-Kaduna rail project, flagged off by former President Muhammadu Buhari on July 15, 2021, marks the third phase of the Lagos-Kano standard gauge railway modernization project.
The first segment, Abuja-Kaduna, was launched in July 2016, while the second, Lagos-Ibadan, began commercial operations in June 2021.
