The China Development Bank (CDB) has approved a $254.76 million (€245 million) loan to advance the Kano-Kaduna railway project in Nigeria.
In an announcement on its website on Tuesday, the bank stated that the loan aims to ensure uninterrupted progress on the railway’s construction, which is a key infrastructure initiative for the region.
The standard-gauge railway spans 203 kilometers and will connect Kano, a major commercial hub in northern Nigeria, to the nation’s capital, Abuja. Once completed, the project is expected to enhance regional connectivity, offering residents a safer and more efficient transportation option.
In addition to easing travel, the railway is projected to boost economic growth by encouraging industrial development along its route. The construction phase and subsequent operations are also anticipated to create numerous employment opportunities.
Listed as a flagship initiative under the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, the railway project is being executed by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation and financed by the CDB.
Following the withdrawal of the China Exim Bank as the project’s original financier, the CDB stepped in to ensure its continuation. The bank emphasized its commitment to collaborating with the Nigerian government for the smooth disbursement of funds and efficient management of the project’s subsequent phases.
In a statement, the CDB highlighted its role, saying, “Going forward, we will closely coordinate with Nigerian partners to ensure the smooth disbursement of subsequent loans and effective post-loan management.”
President Bola Tinubu has previously affirmed the Federal Government’s dedication to completing the Ibadan-Abuja-Kaduna-Kano railway project. The government hopes to finalize the Kaduna to Kano rail line by the end of this year, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s infrastructure development.
