The Senate and House of Representatives Joint Committees on Land and Marine Transport today protested against the proposal of the Minister of Transport, Chibuike Ameachi, to construct a standard gauge for the Kano-Maradi rail line while an old narrow gauge was planned for other parts of Nigeria.

The lawmakers became angry when Amaechi presented the 2022 budget proposal of his ministry before the Joint National Assembly Committee.

While presenting the budget, Amaechi said, “The construction of Kaduna-Kano railways to link up the Abuja-Kaduna rail line has commenced. Survey and design for Ibadan-Minna-Abuja are ongoing.

“Construction of the 284 kilometres Nigeria-Maradi (Niger Republic) standard gauge rail line enabling interconnectivity with countries in the West Africa sub-region for the promotion of trade and commerce.

“This important contribution by Nigeria would be mutually beneficial by adding to the economic growth of the two countries, Niger and Nigeria.”

Chairman of Senate Committee on Marine Transport, Senator Danjuma Goje, and House Committee Chairman, Mr Pat Asadu, kicked against the marginalisation of other regions of the country in the rail line construction.

Both Chairmen queried the minister why he was not constructing uniform rail lines across the country.