The China Development Bank (CDB) has approved a loan of €245 million ($254.76 million) to support the construction of the Kano-Kaduna railway project in Nigeria.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the bank emphasized that the funding aims to ensure the smooth progress of the 203-kilometer standard-gauge railway, which will establish direct rail connectivity between Kano and Abuja upon completion.

“This railway will stimulate the development of related industries along the route, while also creating numerous job opportunities in Nigeria,” the statement noted.

The Kano-Kaduna railway project has been recognized as one of the key initiatives under the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation. Construction is being handled by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), with financial backing from the CDB.

The bank assured continued collaboration with Nigerian authorities to facilitate the timely disbursement of funds and the successful completion of the project.