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Chinese firm to embark on modern railway project in Nigeria

Xinhua, August 29, 2012

• Chinese construction firm China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC) is to embark on a railway project in Nigeria, following the signing of an addendum for the southwestern Lagos-Ibadan double track railway line modernization, one of the west African country's major railway projects in recent times.

  The contract signing on Tuesday typified consistency and commitment of the Nigerian government's policy to the modernization of railway system in the country, Minister of Transport Idris Umar said at a ceremony organized with top managers of CCECC in Abuja. The project costs approximately 1.5 billion U.S. dollars.

  "You will recall that on July 18, the Nigeria's government approved the Lagos-Ibadan standard gauge rail double track formation covering a distance of 156.65 kilometers, 313.30 kilometers in total of double track in favor of CCECC Nigeria Limited with a completion period of 36 months," said the top government official.

  The project is part of of the Lagos-to-Kano railway line that was awarded to the CCECC in 2006 but could not be completed due to paucity of funds, therefore the project would now be executed in six phases, according to the minister.

  He said the project is expected to be completed in 36 months and generate more than 5,000 jobs in the country, adding as a means of transportation, it is a major component of economic development and social integration.

  While enjoining the Chinese contractors to commit the whole of their professional and technical expertise to undertake the project to the agreed standards and specifications, Umar expressed confidence that the modernization project will be beneficial to Nigerians and foreigners.

  "I want to use this opportunity to commend CCECC that even though we had some financial constraints the last time, they remained on site faithfully in keeping with terms and conditions of the agreement," said the minister while appreciating the efforts and commitment of the company toward the project.

  On his own part, managing director of CCECC in Nigeria, Cao Baogang, said a functional railway is very important for every country in the world, not only Nigeria.

  "The (passenger) train will have at least, 1,000 passengers, while a cargo train will carry at least 1,200 tonnes of cargo," he explained, adding local skilled and unskilled workers will be trained before completion of the project.

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