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The Federal Government says it approves the extension of rail construction from Lagos-Kano-Katsina to Marradi in Niger Republic for economic and commercial benefits.
The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, gave the explanation on Friday when he featured on Nigeria Television Authority live programme: “Good Morning Nigeria.”
The programme, which focussed on: “Nigeria at 60: Matters Arising,” was monitored by the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja.
Specifically, the Minister said the rail extension is intended for Nigeria to take economic advantages of import and export of Niger Republic, Chad and Burkina Faso, which are landlocked countries.
Mohammed said contrary to the disinformation by some commentators on the rail extension project, the decision was taken in the economic interest of the country.
NAN reports that some Nigerians have queried the rationale behind Nigeria borrowing so much to fund the infrastructure of a neighbouring country.
The Minister, however, explained: “I think there have been a lot of disinformation and total lack of information over that linking of Lagos, Kano, Katsina railway to Marradi.
“The wisdom behind it is that Niger, Chad, Burkina Faso are all landlocked, meaning that they do not have access to sea.
“What this means is that most of their imports and exports have to go through neighbouring countries’ sea ports like Cotonou in Benin Republic, Togo and Ghana.
“Because we do not have a road infrastructure that will encourage Niger Republic to use our seaports, we believe that we will be able to take over their imports and exports with the rail linkage.
“The simple reason, therefore, is to strengthen the economy of Nigeria.
Mohammed explained further: “For now, Niger Republic uses seaport of Benin Republic, Togo and Ghana and the exporters go through the stress, challenges and time of being on the road from Cotonou, Lome or Accra to their country.
“But when you look at the distance by rail by the time we link them from Katsina to Marradi, it will be easier for us to take over the business.
“There is nothing like territorial expansion.
“It is purely economic.
“We are taking advantage of proximity and efficiency of rail system.”
The Minister further explained that the distance from Jibia, the Nigeria border town with Niger Republic, to Marradi is a few kilometres and there is existing business relations between the people at both border towns.
Mohammed admonished critics of government policies and decisions to always seek clarifications before going to town to misinform the public.
Mohammed equally said government will keep engaging in more conversation to enlighten the public on its policies, programmes and decisions.
NAN recalls that the Federal Executive Council on September 23 approved over $1.959 billion for the construction of the rail line from Kano to Marradi in Niger Republic.
The Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, who disclosed this to State House correspondents, said the rail line, designed to take off from Dutse in Jigawa State, will run through Katsina and Jibia and terminate in Marradi.