The National Assembly Joint Committee on Land and Marine Transport has faulted the proposal of the Minister of Transport, Chibuike Amaechi to construct standard rail gauge for Kano-Maradi in Niger Republic while constructing narrow gauge in other parts of Nigeria.
The Chairman Senate Committee on Marine Transport, Senator Danjuma Goje and House Committee Chairman, Hon. Pat Azadu, say it is unacceptable to spend huge sums of money procured through foreign loans, to construct standard gauge to Maradi in Niger Republic as this may lead to marginalization of other regions of the country in the construction of rail lines.
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This came to the fore when the minister of transportation Rotimi Amaachi appeared before a joint committee on marine Transport
Amaechi had in his submission said the Construction of the 284 kilometers Nigeria – Maradi (Niger Republic) standard guage rail line, is strategic as It will facilitate interconnectivity with countries in the West Africa sub region for the promotion of trade and commerce.
He added that the standard gauge will add to the economic growth of the two countries, of Niger and Nigeria
Both Chairmen queried the Minister for not constructing uniform rail lines across the country instead of giving Kano-Maradi modern standard rail line and constructing old narrow Rail line to other regions.
In response the minister of transportation said the Kano-Maradi rail, project was not based on sentiments but economic benefits for the country.
Adding that the difference between the Narrow gauge and Standard gauge is speed and that the country may not get the money to construct standard gauge across the country.
He said on completion of Kano-Maradi and Kano to Lagos railway, all national cargoes from Niger Republic, like uranium and gold, would be moved through Nigerian sea port from that corridor.
This, he said, would translate into huge economic benefits for Nigeria. He also clarified that his ministry was yet to get money for Kano-Kaduna, Port Harcourt-Maiduguri railway projects.
Reporter: Oyediya Urum Editor: Ebuwa Omo-Osagie
