Rotimi Amaechi Signs MoU on Rail Modernisation in Sochi Russia - Photos

The Honourable Minister of Transportation Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi on behalf of the federal government has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU), with Russian for the modernisation, development of railway infrastructure, rehabilitation of existing Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) rolling stock-fleet and upgrading of workshops across the country.

The MoU involves two Russian firms: Russian Joint Stock Company Russian Railway (JSCRR) and Transmash Holding, a private rolling stock manufacturing company.

Signing the agreement with CEO-Chairman, Joint Stock Company Russian Railway, Oleg Belozerov and the CEO Transmash holding, Mr Kirill Lipa during the Russia-Africa Summit in Sochi, Amaechi said this would boost and Fastrack the construction of the rail manufacturing company in Nigeria.

You will recall that the Nigerian government, gave the Chinese Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC) the nod to establish a rail manufacturing plant in the country.

The Minister reiterated that the present administration led by President Muhammadu Buhari was determined to ensure the development of standard rail infrastructure in line with best practices.

He also noted that before the end of December, Nigeria will receive 20 locomotives and wagons which will be used for the Railway service on Lagos-Ibadan, Abuja-Kaduna and Itakpe-Warri rail line.

See more photos of the signing below...

Vladimir Putin’s 7-Ton Limo Makes Debut At Geneva Motor Show

If you want to ride like Vlad — Russian President Vladimir Putin, that is — this may be the limo for you.

At the Geneva Motor Show, Russian automaker Aurus has trotted out a hulky, luxurious Senat Limousine L700 with lines vaguely reminiscent of a Rolls-Royce.

It should be noted that Putin’s Bunker on Wheels is a modified version which the company has worked on including adding some high security, armoured workings on it.

The company's stand on Thursday featured a model that once toted around the Russian leader. He's also driven the Aurus himself.

Russian automaker and the maker of Vladimir Putin’s armoured Limo, Aurus, has revealed the hulky luxurious Senat Limousine L700 at the ongoing Geneva Motor show.

While the one on display may not be as secure as Putin’s Bunker on Wheels, the L700 at Aurus stand still come in a seven-ton armored version and an unarmored model.

The 21.7 feet (6,630 mm) long Limo has a massive 14.1 feet (4300 mm) wheelbase that dwarf the Rolls-Royce Phantom Extended Wheelbase.

Hilgert said the vehicle comes with 600 horsepower and an automatic transmission, all made in Russia.

Executives are aiming to start sales in Europe next year or 2021. Aurus spokeswoman said pricing wouldn't be announced until next month.

Putin In His Convoy