The Nigerian government plans to seek funding from China for the construction of rail projects, including the Ibadan-Abuja and Kaduna-Kano rail lines.
Vice President Kashim Shettima is expected to engage with Chinese President Xi Jinping to secure funds for the projects, following directives from President Bola Tinubu.
According to the Minister of Transportation, Senator Said Alkali, funding issues have stalled progress on the projects, but the government has secured funds for the Kano-Kaduna segment.
The ministry is also working with security agencies to deploy surveillance and prevent vandalism of rail infrastructure, according to TheNation.
He said: “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.
“The president has directed the Vice president to engage President Xi in a bilateral discussion on the financing of Ibadan-Abuja and Kaduna-Kano rail projects. So far, Kaduna-Kano has been released. We are just trying to cascade the final stage for the drawdown of the loan so that they will have the financing. That of Ibadan to Abuja is also under very serious engagement with the Chinese government”.
The National Assembly has condemned the vandalism and sale of public infrastructure and is considering legislation to criminalize the act, with the death penalty as a potential punishment.
The Senate Committee on Land Transport has pledged to ensure the timely completion of the rail projects and may review the existing rail contract to include anti-theft mechanisms.