Over the past seven years, the Abuja-Kaduna railway has transported close to 6.5 million people.
This was made public on Wednesday in a document released by the Chinese Embassy in Abuja.
Nigeria's first modern railway, built by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation, is the first example of Chinese standards in contemporary rail infrastructure on the continent.
The document claims that the railway project has expanded a crucial transportation route connecting Abuja, the capital of Nigeria, with Kaduna, a major industrial hub 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.
According to the Chinese Embassy, the railway has greatly increased Kaduna's integration into the capital region's development, spurring economic growth along the railway corridor, creating a sizable number of direct and indirect job opportunities, and providing a strong basis for the ongoing 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.
