The China Development Bank (CDB) has approved a loan of $254.76 million (€245 million) to support the Kano-Kaduna railway project, ensuring uninterrupted progress in its construction. The 203-kilometer standard-gauge railway, connecting Kano to Abuja, is expected to enhance transportation, improve regional connectivity, and foster economic growth in northern Nigeria.
The project, part of the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, is being executed by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation. Beyond offering safer and more efficient transportation, the railway is projected to drive industrial development and create employment opportunities during both construction and operation phases.
The CDB, which stepped in as the financier after China Exim Bank withdrew, affirmed its commitment to collaborating with the Nigerian government for smooth loan disbursement and effective post-loan management. Construction work is reportedly progressing well, with the bank emphasizing its dedication to supporting the project's timely completion.
President Bola Tinubu has reiterated the Federal Government's commitment to completing the Ibadan-Abuja-Kaduna-Kano railway project. The government has allocated N44.4 billion in the 2024 budget for this and other railway initiatives, including the Lagos-Ibadan railway, as part of its efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s transportation infrastructure.
