Only God Knows Nigeria's Next President– Amaechi

The Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has remained quiet over his chances of becoming Nigeria’s next president.

Amaechi, speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, said only God knows the country’s next leader.

The former Governor of Rivers state also insisted he is focusing on his job as a minister under President Muhammadu Buhari and would not like to be distracted.

Amaechi said: “I am still the Minister for Transportation and only God can tell who will be the President of Nigeria in 2023.''

Amaechi had earlier said the Kano-Maradi (Niger Republic) rail project will cost the federal government $1.9bn.

He had said: “The project is going to cost us $1.9bn and we will source it from mostly Europe. We are about concluding it.''

When asked how long it will take Nigeria to repay the loan, he claimed it is not within the jurisdiction of his ministry, but noted that the railway project will commence on Tuesday.

“That is the responsibility of the Ministry of Finance. When we would pay; what are the terms of agreement for the loan and all that would be the responsibility of the Ministry of Finance.''

“So, that question can be directed to the Minister for Finance. For us in Transportation, our job is to work with the Ministry of Finance to procure the loan and commence construction; and we think we would commence construction on Tuesday.”

According to him, the project was initiated based on national interest, stressing that it would open up the country for more investment.

“The interest is national; the interest is about Nigeria. The Maradi terminal is just 20 kilometers away from Nigeria; just 20 kilometers. So, there is no huge investment like Nigerians are thinking,” the minister said.