The University of Transportation, Daura, is set to be completed by September next year, according to Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi.
Amaechi made this disclosure in Daura, Katsina State, when he embarked on maiden inspection tour of the ongoing project.
The Transportation Minister, explained that the brain behind the $50 million university is to acquire technology needed to operate the railway system currently being built by China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC) when the Chinese withdraw.
While fielding questions from Journalists, the Minister further informed that to complement the fact that the Chinese government is building the university free of charge, Technics Engineering Architectural Marketing (TEAM) has also promised to provide all the Consultancy needed for the project free of charge.
Though not in the original plan, the Minister directed the contractors to include the building of a primary and secondary school in the masterplan to cater schooling needs of the families who will be working there.
The Minister while on courtesy call to Governor of Katsina State, Aminu Bello Masari, and the Emir of Daura, Umar Farouq Umar, appreciated the Katsina State government and the Daura Emirate for their benevolence in donating acres of land for the university to be built.
Responding, the Governor thanked the Minister for the enormous project which according to him portends limitless opportunities for his people and promised to provide security and support in whatever form to ensure the project becomes a reality.
In the same vein, Emir of Daura in his remark appreciated the Minister for his dedication and also pledged his support for the realisation of this project.
It will be recalled that the ground breaking ceremony for this project was performed by President Muhammadu on December 2, 2019.
Personalities on the inspection tour included: the Board Chairman, NRC, Ibrahim Alhassan and other senior government officials.
Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Transportation, Senator Gbemishola Saraki has assured APM terminals that the Federal Government of Nigeria is committed to making ports services in Nigeria comparable to anywhere in the world.
She made assurance when she received the new head of APM, Klaus Laursen who was on courtesy call in her office in Abuja
The Minister of State while appreciating APM for the visit, called for harmonious working relationship between the Nigerian government and terminal operators. According to her there was no need for confrontational relationship rather each party should work together to promote trust and value system that will engender economic growth and development.
While appreciating the fact that every business man needs to make profit, she enjoined APM to conduct its business in a way that will bring about growth and service improvement in the Gulf of Guinea.
Going down memory lane, the Minister of State for Transportation, recalled that while she was at the National Assembly, she was abreast with the operations of terminal operators, expressing displeasure that they have not kept to the terms of the agreements especially as it relates to concessioning of the ports.
While promising to assist APM in their business endeavours, Saraki informed them that Nigeria would renew her quest for category C seat at the International Maritime Organisation and hopes they can support Nigeria in that regard.
Speaking earlier, the new head of APM, Klaus Laursen, said he had come to pay his respects and show appreciation as the collaboration between them and Nigeria Ports Authority has made it possible to bring to berth in Nigeria a 300 metres container vessel.
He further pledged that the APM group will work assiduously to improve the logistics value chain as well as tapping into the huge opportunities that abound in the country.
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