Minister of Transportaion, Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi
‘Chinese are no longer funding,’ Amaechi explains uncompleted rail line projects
Unconfirmed reports have quoted the Minister of Transportation, Chief Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, as blaming the unresponsiveness of China for the delay in completing pending rail line projects across the country.
An online news platform had, Tuesday, quoted the minister as claiming the Federal Government can no longer access funding for completion of rail line projects across the country due to ‘the refusal of the Chinese to fund Nigerian projects.’
It, however, could not be confirmed from the Ministry as to the occasion Amaechi made the comment.
The minister who lamented the delays said the Federal Government has started looking towards Europe to get loans, following the refusal of the Chinese to fund Nigerian projects.
“We are stuck with lots of our projects because we cannot get money. The Chinese are no longer funding. So, we are now pursuing money in Europe.
“And when I look at the money they are borrowing in other countries and compare it with the one we have borrowed, the kind of comments by Nigerians will put you off.”
Amaechi, however, expressed hope that if Nigeria could get loans from Europe, the existing projects will be completed.
The minister said the Abuja-Itakpe railway is underway, which will link the existing Itakpe-Delta rail line, adding that the link rail would have been completed but for a misunderstanding with the Chinese contractor.
