This was disclosed in a document from the Chinese Embassy in Abuja on Wednesday.
The railway which was executed by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation stands as Nigeria’s first modern railway, marking the continent’s inaugural instance of Chinese standards in modern rail infrastructure.
According to the document, the railway project has added a vital transport artery from Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, to the significant industrial city of Kaduna in the north.
“It has not only improved the investment climate but also facilitated trade, the movement of people and goods between these two major cities, propelling economic development along the route and within the urban areas.
“Particularly noteworthy is its role in stimulating commercial development around passenger stations.
“The implementation and operation of the Abuja-Kaduna Railway have had a profound impact on Nigeria’s economy. Over seven years of operation, it has safely transported nearly 6.57 million passengers, providing a safe, comfortable, efficient, and punctual mode of travel for residents and visitors alike,” the document read.
The Chinese Embassy noted that the railway has significantly integrated Kaduna into the development sphere of the capital region, driving economic growth along the railway corridor, generating substantial direct and indirect employment opportunities, and laying a solid foundation for the sustained adoption of Chinese standards.
“CCECC has not only built infrastructure but also transferred expertise, nurturing a considerable pool of railway professionals, thus ensuring Nigeria’s railway modernization and sustainable development have ample talent resources,” it added.
