FG explains why it is extending rail construction to Niger Republic
- There is a reason for the extension of rail construction to Niger Republic, the federal government has explained
- Lai Mohammed said there was no cause for alarm as it was in the economic interest of Nigeria
- Some Nigerians had expressed their reservations over the government's borrowing to fund the neighbouring country's infrastructure
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The approval of the extension of rail construction from Lagos-Kano-Katsina to Marradi in Niger Republic by the federal government is for a reason, the minister of information and culture, Lai Mohammed, said.
The minister explained on Friday, October 1, that the decision was taken for economic and commercial benefits.
According to him, Nigeria needs to take economic advantages of import and export of Niger Republic, Chad and Burkina Faso.
He disclosed this on Nigeria Television. Authority (NTA) live programme, “Good Morning Nigeria” which was monitored by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.
Source: Twitter
Mohammed was speaking in reaction to criticisms from some Nigerians who are wondering why the country is taking so many loans to fund the infrastructure of a neighbouring country.
The minister noted that there was a lot of misinformation flying around over the rail extension.
Explaining more about the decision, he said Niger, Chad Burkina Faso do not have access to sea. Mohammed stated:
“What this means is that most of their imports and exports have to go through neighbouring countries’ seaports like Cotonou in Benin Republic, Togo and Ghana.”
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Rotimi Amaechi, the minister of transportation, had earlier revealed that the borrowings done by the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government was for infrastructural development in several parts of the country.
Legit.ng reported that he asked Nigerians to be patient with the federal government in its commitment to deliver laudable projects for infrastructural developments.
Amaechi also noted that logistics is crucial in dealing with economic development in the country for the well-being of the masses.
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Source: Legit.ng
