Nigeria eager to complete rail project to Niger after diplomatic standoff

Nigeria appears to be ready to repair damaged relationship between it and its northern neighbor, Niger after it met a group of financial institutions interested in providing funding for the completion of the Kano-Maradi rail project.

The rail project connects the two West African countries from Kano (Nigeria) to Maradi (Niger).

The two countries were in a standoff for almost eight months after Niger got suspended from the regional bloc, ECOWAS over a coup that happened in the country.

But Nigera on Tuesday, represented by the Minister of Transportation, Sen. Said Alkali, has met with a group of financial institutions interested in providing funding for the completion of the Kano-Maradi rail project.

The project aims to enhance trade, transportation, and bilateral relations between Nigeria and Niger Republic.

The Minister assured the financial institutions that all necessary documentation and information to secure funding for the project will be provided.

The consortium of banks involved includes institutions such as the Africa Development Bank and the China Construction Bank.

The government has conducted assessments, obtained approvals, and addressed issues such as land compensation and security along the rail corridor.

They also have plans to enhance security through the installation of a digital security system along the rail tracks.

The project is seen as vital for economic growth, regional connectivity, and inclusive development.

Nigeria said that it is committed to seeing it through and believes in the potential for a promising return on investment for the financiers involved.

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