TRANSPORT: FG signs MoU with China Railway Corp

The Federal Government has signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC) for the completion of the ltakpe-Ajaokuta -Aladja railway line and the expansion of Warri port.A statement signed by the Director, Press and Public Relations (PPR), Mrs. Yetunde Sonaike, said the railway would be extended to Warri town, Warri Port and Warri Refinery. It will go northwards from Eganyi-Jankura-Baro-Abuja.
He said the port deal included the ‎construction of deep-sea port as well as industrial parks on the Bonny Island in Rivers State.The director quoted Minister of Transportation, Hon. Chibuike Amaechi, who signed on behalf of the Federal Government, as saying, during the official signing ceremony, that the Central Line was one of the most important lines.
While promising that government would commence negotiations as soon as the President Muhammadu Buhari approved, he said: “The Central Line is one of the most important lines we have in Nigeria and I would be glad we partner. We can only get the approval when we see your feasibility studies.”The minister, who acknowledged the previous partnership with the company when he was governor of River State, noted that the Central Line was part of the economic corridor in Nigeria.Earlier, the Vice President of CRCC, Mr. Chen Xiao Xing, said his company was privileged to sign MoU with Nigerian for the completion of Ajaokuta to Abuja rail line project, extending from Aladja to Warri Port.He added that the idea of working on rail system came on board during President Buhari’s visit to China sometime ago, as his company took the initiative to study the Nigerian railway network and found out that there was a missing link, especially between Ajaokuta and Abuja.Xing further noted that for Nigerian economy to take off, it must reduce importation, adding that industrialisation was very important for economy and social development of Nigeria.“That is why l proposed this project and l hope China and other countries will pay attention to this country.
To this country, potential is here, opportunity is here. We brought this proposal to your economy corridor. Infrastructure like railway must be built because no railway, no money; no power, no industry,” he added.He further noted that Nigeria and China were strategic partners determined to work for the socio-economic development of their countries, emphasising thatthe Central Line corridor was critical to the backbone of rapid industrialisation and transportation in Nigeria.