The Federal Government has blamed a lack of funding for delays in completing some important projects around the country, notably railways.
The Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, revealed in an interview with the Guardian that the Chinese have ceased supporting Nigerian government projects, forcing the Federal government to seek loans in Europe to finish existing projects.
“We are unable to complete many of our projects due to a lack of funding.” The Chinese are no longer providing financial support. As a result, we’re now looking for money in Europe.
And when I look at the money they are borrowing in other countries and I compare with the one we have borrowed, the kind of comments by Nigerians will put you off,” he said The minister, however, noted that the Abuja-Itakpe railway, which will link the existing Itakpe-Delta rail line, is underway.
He said the link rail would have been completed but for misunderstanding with a Chinese contractor.
He assured that once the issues surrounding the project are resolved, work would begin on the route.