Thread by @toluogunlesi

You can watch the #KanoMaradiRail groundbreaking ceremony live on @NTANewsNow

#KanoMaradiLine is a standard gauge rail line; contractor is Portuguese firm, MOTA-ENGIL; cost is ~$1.9 billion.

This is the route: Kano-Danbatta-Kazaure-Daura-Mashi-Katsina-Jibiya- Maradi (Niger Republic) - 284km length — plus a 94km branch line to Dutse in Jigawa State.

#KanoMaradiRail

President @MBuhari will be performing the groundbreaking virtually from the State House. #KanoMaradiRail

Katsina, Jigawa and Kano State Governors present, as are @NigeriaGov Ministers and other senior officials. A delegation from Niger Republic also present.

Now speaking: @ChibuikeAmaechi

#KanoMaradiRail

.@ChibuikeAmaechi: The preliminary studies on the #KanoMaradiRail began in the year 2012, and @MinTransportNG completed feasibility studies and obtained an Outline Business Case Certificate (OBC) - certifying its commercial viability - in 2015.

.@ChibuikeAmaechi: #KanoMaradiRail will be a single-track standard gauge rail line, with 15 Stations of varying sizes (major, intermediate and minor). The Major Stations will be in Kano and Katsina, intermediate in Kazaure, Daura, Jibiya and Dutse.

.@ChibuikeAmaechi: The plan is for #KanoMaradiRail to be ready to transport passengers (9,300 daily) and freight (3,000 metric Tonnes daily) in 2023. The capacity will expand even further when it is connected to the #LagosKanoRail Line.

.@ChibuikeAmaechi: #KanoMaradiRail crosses the border 25km into Niger Republic, to terminate at the border town of Maradi.

Now speaking: Minister of Transportation of Niger Republic. #KanoMaradiRail

Now speaking: CEO Mota-Engil Africa, Manuel Mota. Says company has been operating for 75 years, and is in 30 countries. “This will be our landmark project across the continent and the world.” Assures that “we will conclude the project on time and on budget.”

#KanoMaradiRail

CEO Mota-Engil Africa says #KanoMaradiRail will open up the “hinterland” countries to the world, and bring economic development and prosperity to many.

Now speaking: Governor of Katsina State, Aminu Masari #KanoMaradiRail

“History is being made during our time.” — Governor Masari #KanoMaradiRail

Kano Governor @GovUmarGanduje thanks PMB, says Kano State is a great beneficiary of PMB’s work: describes ongoing Kano-Kaduna-Abuja, Kano-Katsina and Kano-Maiduguri road construction projects as “fantastic”. Also cites Kano Airport expansion, and now #KanoMaradiRail.

Governor @GovUmarGanduje: “What more do we need if we’re talking about transportation? Mr President we thank you for these milestones. Thank you and God bless you.” #KanoMaradiRail

Jigawa Governor Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, highlighting President Buhari’s support to the 36 States since 2015:

Budget Support that helped survive the very difficult 2016/17 oil shocks

Paris Club Refunds (owed since OBJ days) - says even small Jigawa got N40 BILLION

Jigawa Gov Badaru Abubakar, highlighting President Buhari’s support to the 36 States since 2015:

Road Refunds approved for all the States by PMB. Says small Jigawa got N10 Billion. Some States got as high as 60-70 billion Naira

Most recently: PAYE Refunds approved for States.

Now speaking, from the State House, at the groundbreaking ceremony of #KanoMaradiRail: President @MBuhari

PMB: “On the Eastern corridor of the country, the Port Harcourt—Enugu—Makurdi—Maiduguri rail line with branches to Owerri, Imo state and Damaturu, Yobe state have been awarded for reconstruction to include a deep sea port in Bonny Island and a Railway Industrial Park in PH...”

“... with the objectives of achieving a vibrant and functional railway infrastructure in the Eastern part of the country.” #PortHarcourtMaiduguriRail #KanoMaradiRail #RailUPng

PMB: “@MinTransportNG and @FinMinNigeria have been directed to vigorously act on engagement and concluding financial arrangement with appropriate co-financiers to partner with @NigeriaGov for the development of the West—East Coastal rail line from Lagos to Calabar...” #RailUPng

“... and linking Onitsha, Benin, Warri, Yenegoa, Port Harcourt, Aba and Uyo.” #LagosCalabarCoastalRail

https://twitter.com/ngrpresident/status/1359130956582572034