PAULETTE ORJIME-Abuja
THE President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari has promised to prioritize the railway system as a transportation backbone that would transform industrial and economic activity in the country.
Buhari made the pledge on at the inauguration of the commercial operations of Lagos-Ibadan railway project at the Mobolaji Johnson Railway Station, Ebute Metta, Lagos
The President noted that this achievement sgnifies another milestone in the drive of the current Administration to revitalize the railway system and establish it as a choice mode of transportation for both passengers and freight.
Buhari said the Lagos-Ibadan rail line has established an end-to-end logistic supply chain in railway transport within its short corridor as goods to the hinterland would now be transported by rail directly from the Apapa port Quayside straight to the Inland Container Depot located in Ibadan from where it can be distributed to other parts of the country.
The President also noted that the completion of the Lagos railway project was a precursor to the Lagos-Kano-Maradi line in Niger Republic.
According to the Prsident, ‘‘In clear recognition of the challenges posed to our economic growth by absence of strong and effective infrastructure, we have in the rail sector, further to other ongoing railway infrastructure projects, embarked on the completion of the outstanding segment of the Lagos – Kano railway, which is Ibadan – Kano.
‘‘The Lagos – Kano railway project when completed will link the Kano – Maradi line at Kano and a rail link from the Nigeria southern ports of Lagos to Maradi in Niger Republic will be achieved. “
‘‘The connection through rail would position Nigerian ports as the choice for import and export business of the people of landlocked Niger Republic,” Buhari added.
In his speech, the Minister of Transportation, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi expressed his gratitude to Mr President for his support towards the completion of the project, just as he added that Kano- Kaduna rail project would commence by end of the month.
In the words of Amaechi ,” I want to thank you, Mr. President, for your determination even against criticism of the fact that we were taking too long to build this. From here, we would commence construction of the Kano-Kaduna rail by the end of the month. We have had a meeting with China Civil Engineering and Construction Company (CCECC). We would go there to commence construction through the Kano and Kaduna axis.
“I am grateful to you all,.I am not the.best leader but I.told you one thing and that is the fact that we have to deliver . Let us achieve our goal and let history judge us. This is history and this will.judge us , ” the Minister said.
Top govervnment officials that graced the occasion includes: the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Governor of Ogun state, Dapo Abiodun, the Governor of Oyo, Seyi Makinde, the Governor of Ekiti state and others
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