The Federal Government has approved contracts for the rehabilitation of Gumel-Maigatari-Niger Republic border road.
Earlier in September, the government approved N1.959 billion for rail construction to the same neighbouring country.
A statement signed by the Executive Director of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) Silos Buba said the road project was awarded to an indigenous firm, Austin and Duo Global services, and will be supervised by the agency.
He said the project is expected to be completed in six months, commencing from 19 of October 2020 to April 18th 2021.
Buba said the project was sourced through the initiation of Senator Danladi Abdullahi Sankara, representing Jigawa North West Senatorial District in the Senate.
Upon completion, the Gumel-Maigatari- Niger border federal road will boost communication link, and enhance the socio-economic potentials of both countries.
The rail line is designed to take-off from Kano will link Dutse, in Jigawa State, Katsina, and Jibia and terminate at Maradi in Niger Republic.
According to information obtained from the Ministry of Transportation, the 248-kilometre rail line was initially budgeted for in the 2018 Appropriation Act, and will pass through Dambatta, Kazaure, Daura, Mashi, Katsina, Jibia and terminate in Maradi, Niger Republic.
Upon completion, the rail line is expected to aid the supply of crude oil from Niger Republic to the refinery being built in the border town between Nigeria and Niger.
