The Nigerian government has authorised the allocation of N453.90Billion for the Kano-Maradi standard gauge rail line project, which includes the procurement of rolling stock, operation, and maintenance equipment.
The allocated funds also cover the purchase of four customised fire service/search and rescue vans for seaports. The Minister of Transportation, Mu’azu Sambo, announced the approval after the Federal Executive Council meeting, which was chaired by President Muhammadu Buhari.
The rail line will be 248km long and will pass through various cities such as Kano, Bauchi State, Katsina State, Jigawa State, and Jibia before terminating in Maradi, Niger Republic.
Speaking on Wednesday, Sambo explained, “The memorandum sought council’s consideration and approval for the award of contract for the procurement of rolling stock, operation or maintenance equipment for the Kano-Maradi standard gauge rail line that is currently under construction.
“The contract was awarded to MSSRS Mota-Engil Nigeria Limited, who are the contractors handling this particular project in the sum of $984,722,302.5 inclusive of seven and a half per cent VAT with a completion period of four years.”
Additionally, the council approved the revised 2022 National Agricultural Seed Policy memo presented by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mohammed Abubakar, to ensure food security and meet global standards.
Sambo also revealed that the ministry of Transportation presented another memo on behalf of the Nigerian Ports Authority “for the award of contract for the construction and supply of four customised Fire Service search and rescue vans for extrication of accident victims for Rivers Ports in Port Harcourt, Lagos Port complex, Tincan Island Port and the Marina headquarters of the NPA, all in Lagos.”
