The Nigerian government is poised to further deepen its financial ties with China as it seeks funding assistance for rail projects, despite existing concerns over mounting debt obligations to the Asian economic powerhouse.
During an inspection of the Kaduna-Kano rail projects by the National Assembly joint committee on land transport, Minister of Transportation, Senator Said Alkali, disclosed plans for Kashim Shettima to engage with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The objective is to secure funds earmarked for the construction of the Ibadan-Abuja and Kaduna-Kano rail corridors, in compliance with directives from Bola Tinubu.
Alkali emphasized the urgency of addressing funding challenges that have hindered progress, noting that funds have been secured for the Kano-Kaduna segment, but final approvals are pending for drawdown.
“The President is desirous in ensuring that these projects are completed and being put into use because transportation is an enabler of economic growth and a gateway to the nation’s economy. It is, of course, one of the eight priority areas of the present administration,” he stated.
READ ALSO: https://parallelfactsnews.com/nigerianprogrammedworkers-to-stealbishopegbe/
Also, highlighting the issue of infrastructure security, the minister underscored collaborative efforts between the ministry and security agencies to prevent vandalism of rail assets.
“The Ministry and the Nigerian Railway Corporation are working hard to ensure that these vandals do not destroy our properties. We are deploying so many major surveillances in conjunction with the security agencies to ensure that these properties are not allowed to be vandalised,” he added.
Follow Parallel Facts on WhatsApp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaCQSAoHgZWiDjR3Kn2E
