Nigeria’s federal government has approved a rail line project that would connect all coastal cities in the country.
The project estimated at $11.17 billion was approved during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting held on Wednesday.
The meeting was presided over by Vice President Yemi Osibanjo at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.
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Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed who briefed news men after the FEC meeting, noted that the project will span six years.
According to Lai Mohammed, the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, presented two memos at the meeting, explaining the need for Government’s commitment to expanding and consolidating on the rail project.
“The first one actually has to do with the Kano-Jibia rail and the other one has to do with the Port Harcourt-Maidugiri rail.
“Actually what was approved today was funding to ensure that work starts immediately on those two rails.“And then, also another memo that was approved today was the ratification of the president’s approval for the award of contract for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Standard Gauge.’’
Lai noted that the project was inherited from the past administration, where approval was first given, but no execution was done.
“Today, the council has given approval to commence the Lagos-Calabar Coastal rail.
“This particular route is very important because after the Lagos-Kano route, this Lagos-Calabar Coastal route actually will link all the coastal cities in the country.
“Actually, the proposed route alignment is as follows; it will go from Lagos to Sagamu, Sagamu to Ijebu-Ode, Ijebu-Ode to Ore, Ore to Benin City, Benin-City to Sapele, Sapele to Warri, Warri to Yenogoa, Yenegoa to Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt to Aba, Aba to Uyo, Uyo to Calabar, Calabar to Akamkpa to Ikom, Obudu Ranch with branch lines from Benin-City to Agbo, Ogwashi-ukwu, Asaba, Onitsha and Onitsha Bridge and then Port Harcourt to Onne Deep Sea Port.
“This particular route is very important especially for our coastal economy; the cost of the project is 11. 17 billion dollars,’’ he said.
According to Lai, the project is expected to be completed in six years.
