The China Development Bank (CDB) has officially approved a $255 million loan to support Nigeria's ambitious Kano-Kaduna railway project. The 203-kilometer-long standard-gauge line will connect Kano—the commercial hub of northern Nigeria—to the capital city, Abuja. This crucial funding is aimed at ensuring the project progresses without setbacks, thus strengthening regional connectivity and providing a safer, more efficient transportation alternative.
The Kano-Kaduna railway is a flagship initiative under the framework of the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation. The project will be executed by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), a key player in many of China's overseas infrastructure initiatives. Upon completion, the railway is expected to drive significant economic growth, create thousands of jobs, and improve mobility for millions of Nigerians living along its route.
Initially, Nigeria's government sought financing from commercial banks to fund the project. However, as major financial institutions hesitated due to perceived risks tied to railway infrastructure projects, Nigeria turned to its strategic development partner, China, for assistance. This deal underscores the growing influence of China in Africa's infrastructural landscape, while also reaffirming Nigeria's commitment to improving its transport networks and spurring regional development.