Presidency says Nigeria is not constructing rail line into Niger Republic

- Reports alleging that Nigeria is planning to build a rail line into the Niger Republic been dismissed

- The presidency clarified that the rail would stop at the border Nigeria shares with the Niger

- A presidential spokesperson, Garba Shehu said the construction of the rail would aid the transportation of raw materials

PAY ATTENTION: Click “See First” under the “Following” tab to see Legit.ng News on your Facebook News Feed!

The Nigerian government has denied reports that it is planning to build a rail line into the Niger Republic.

A presidential spokesperson, Garba Shehu on Thursday, September 24, disclosed that plan was to construct the rail line up to the border Nigeria shares with Niger and not into the country itself.

He made the clarification in response to criticism following reports that the federal government had approved $1.96bn for the construction of a rail line to link Kano, Dutse, Katsina, and Maradi in Niger.

Read also

This is a sign that God is angry with us - Aisha Buhari warns Nigerians

But Shehu in a series of tweets via his twitter handle, @GarShehu claimed that Nigeria would only construct the rail line to the border it shares with Niger in Maradi.

He said the rail was being built to harness raw materials, mineral resources, and agricultural produce.

The spokesperson explained that when completed the rail will serve domestic industries and enhance the role of a viable transportation backbone to the West African subregion.

Meanwhile, the minister of transportation, Rotimi Amaechi has said the federal government’s focus on railway and seaport development is a necessity to drive the nation’s economy.

The Nation reported that Amaechi made this known on Sunday, September 20, at the virtual 15th Annual Kaleidoscope Global Business Conference hosted by the Consulate General of Nigeria in New York.

In other news, the Lagos-Ibadan rail service might begin soon according to new information by President Buhari's aide, Tolu Ogunlesi.

Read also

Lai Mohammed: Buhari is doing well for Nigeria with dwindling revenues

Ogunlesi said that the Mobolaji Johnson Station is under construction. He stated the train would be a worthy alternative to beat Lagos traffic.

PAY ATTENTION: Get the Latest Nigerian News Anywhere 24/7. Spend less on the Internet!

Nigeria Latest News: The Abuja Metro is West Africa's First Light Rail Network | Legit TV

Source: Legit.ng