The Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Wednesday, approved the sum of $1.96 billion to construct the 248-kilometre railway line from Kano to Maradi in Niger Republic.

Nigeria’s Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi disclosed this to State House Correspondents after this week’s FEC meeting which held at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja.

According to him, the $1.96 billion construction cost includes 7.5% value added tax (VAT).

Naija News understands the contract for the construction was initiated in February 2018 and designed to connect three Nigerian states in the north; Kano, Katsina and Jigawa state, as well as seven senatorial districts.

The rail line, which will start from Kano, is to pass through Dambatta, Kazaure, Daura, Mashi, Katsina, Jibia and terminate in Maradi, Niger Republic.

The rail line when completed, is expected to assist in the supply of crude oil from Niger Republic to the refinery being built in the border town between both countries.

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