The Minster of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has said the non- approval of $30 billion foreign loan by the national assembly has hindered the construction of the standard gauge line from port Harcourt to Maiduguri.
The minister made this known in a statement signed by the Director, press and Public Relations, Mohammed Idris on Wednesday.
According to Amaechi “We didn’t abandon any rail project. All the projects are there.
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“The truth is that we can’t go to work without funds and that has to come when the Senate approves the $30billion loan request,” he said.
He explained that that most of the Railway projects are to link the ports and when they are completed, the movement of cargos would then be made easier by Rail, thereby reducing pressures on the roads.
The minister reassured that the standard gauge when completed will be beneficial to every Nigerian irrespective of geo- political zone.
Amaechi said the Itakpe-Ajaokuta-Warri Rail line which was abandoned for about 34 years has commenced free test rest run services from on 25th November.
He added that this free services will last for one month.
Stella Enenche, Abuja
