The China Development Bank has approved a $254.76 million loan to Nigeria to support the completion of the Kano-Kaduna railway project, a crucial infrastructure development in the country.
The announcement comes ahead of an official visit by China’s Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, to Nigeria this week.
The 203-kilometre standard-gauge railway, which links Kano, a major northern city, to Abuja, the nation’s capital, has faced significant delays due to funding challenges. The total cost of the project is estimated at $973 million.
In a statement on its website, the China Development Bank noted that the approved loan would ensure the smooth continuation of construction. Once completed, the railway is expected to enhance transportation by providing a safe, efficient, and convenient travel option, benefiting millions of residents.
The Kano-Kaduna railway is a vital part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative and is being constructed by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC).
