Federal Government yesterday signed the Memorandum of Understanding with Mota- Engil Group on the construction of $1.959 billion (about N744.42bn) standard gauge rail line from Kano to Maradi in Niger Republic.

Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi signed the contract on behalf of the Federal Government; while Managing Director, Mota- Engil, Antonio Gvoea signed on behalf of the contracting firm, a statement signed by Eric Ojiekwe, Director, Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Transportation, said.

The new railway corridor, to be located in northern Nigeria, will run through three states: Kano, Jigawa and Katsina, and through Niger territory as far as Maradi. Other cities that will be connected by the rail line in Nigeria are: Danbatta, Kazaure, Daura, Mashi, Katsina and Jibiya.

The 283.75-kilometre rail line besides developing freight and passenger transport as it will be integrated with road transport, is expected to make positive contributions to the local economy as well as an important development in the social sector.

The project duration is for 36 months and the contract type is Engineering, Procurement and Construction.

Daily Trust