TheCable

The federal government says at least 20,000 workers will be recruited to work on the Kaduna-Kano rail project.

Rotimi Amaechi, minister of transportation, made this known at the ground breaking ceremony of the Kano-Kaduna railway line in Kano on Thursday.

He said President Muhammadu Buhari had instructed that the rail project should serve as a means of employment in the country.

Amaechi noted that the project, which covers 203 kilometres, will boost socio-economic activities within the corridor.

“This is a directive given by Mr President, who said that I should make sure that we create employment,” he said.

“I am happy to inform you that we are going to employ not less than 20,000 workers.

“The ministry will continue to work assiduously in line with Mr President’s directives, to implement all the corridors within the Nigerian Railway Modernisation project and aggressively expand the railway network.”

The minister said the rail line traversed Kaduna, Zaria and Kano cities, with three railway stations for passengers and freight services at Rigachukun, Zaria and Kano, with varying capacities and categories.

He noted that the project, which was awarded to China Civil Engineering Construction Company, would be completed within 18 months.

In his goodwill message, Simon Lalong, chairman of the Northern Governors Forum (NGF), commended the president for the project, adding that governors in the region support his administration.

“We are proud to be in Kano for the ground breaking ceremony. All governors are with you and will continue to support Mr President to leave a legacy,” he said.

“We pray to God to continue to give you wisdom and strength to do what will benefit the country.”

Abdullahi Ganduje, governor of Kano, also hailed Buhari for his administration’s development projects in Kano state and the country at large.

He urged the contractor to deliver the project on time and with adequate quality.

Dignitaries at the event include Atiku Bagudu, governor of Kebbi; Aminu Ado-Bayero, emir of Kano; among others.

Last month, Buhari inaugurated the 157 kilometres Lagos-Ibadan standard gauge railway for commercial operations.

TheCable had embarked on a journey and shared insights into the train operations and other experiences.