The Federal Government has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Mota-Engil Group for the construction of $1.959 billion Kano-Maradi standard gauge railway line.

Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi and the firm’s Managing Director, Antonio Gvoea, did the signing yesterday in Abuja.

During the initial opposition to the linking of the Nigerian rail line to Niger Republic, Amaechi had argued that the move was purely for economic motives.

A statement by Director of Press in the ministry, Eric Ojikwe, disclosed that the new corridor, which is to be located in northern Nigeria, would run through three states: Kano, Jigawa and Katsina to Maradi.

The 283.750 kilometre rail line would also traverse major cities like Danbatta, Kazaure, Daura, Mashi, Katsina and Jibiya.