The Chinese Civil Engineering Construction Corporation has been awarded the contract for the reconstruction of the 200-kilometer Minna to Baro narrow standard rail line in Niger State, with an extension to Baro Port, at a cost of N80.6 billion by the federal government.
Engr. Fidet Okhiria, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Railway Corporation, announced this at the contract kick-off meeting with the contractors in Minna on Friday, saying the rehabilitation would take three years.
“We are here for the award of the project of the rail track from Minna to Baro with extension to Baro Port.
“We want to make sure that the project is properly executed to the delight of the people and Nigeria in general.
“The job will be regularly monitored and supervised to ensure that quality job is done,” Okhiria said.
Engr. Okhiria said the contractors have already been mobilised to commence the work in order to complete the rehabilitation within the stipulated time, noting that the rail line would connect seven railway stations in Badeggi, Lafiagi, Katcha, Minna, Kataeregi, Egba and Baro.
He said if completed, the rail line would boost economic activities in the state as it will connect many communities.