China Development Bank has released a $254.76 million loan to Nigeria for the construction of a railway linking the northern states of Kano and Kaduna. This funding boost comes ahead of a visit to Nigeria by China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who is scheduled to meet with President Bola Tinubu and other senior government officials on Thursday.
The 203-kilometer standard-gauge railway project, estimated to cost $973 million, has faced delays due to funding challenges. The China Development Bank loan is expected to significantly accelerate construction progress.
“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,” the bank stated.
This project is part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative and is being undertaken by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation. It is anticipated to significantly improve transportation and logistics in the region, particularly in light of the security challenges posed by armed gangs who frequently attack travelers on roads.
China has emerged as a major lender to Nigeria, providing substantial financing for various infrastructure projects, including roads, railways, and power stations.
