FG Identifies Ebonyi, Anambra for Railway Corridor, Announces March 9 Flag-off
At least, there appears to be good news for the South Eastern part of the country for the railway project with the President Muhammadu Buhari billed to perform the ceremony for the rail corridor flag off planned for March 9, 2021 for both Abakaliki in Ebonyi state and Awka in Anambra state.
Transportation Minister, Hon Rotimi Amaechi disclosed this Saturday during an inspection tour of the Lagos-Ibadan rail project.
Amaechi said that Abakaliki and Awka would be covered by the branch routes on the Port Harcourt – Maiduguri Eastern railway corridor.
He disclosed that the President has indicated interest in these projects eventhough the government was yet to give formal approval.
He added that he has the presidential directive to offer an advice on the project, which he has done.
Speaking to journalists, the Minister said, “On March 9, 2021, we will lay the foundation stone for the Eastern rail line. Note that there is a difference between ground-breaking and construction.
“First is groundbreaking, next is frontend engineering. And as they finish, they begin construction. To make sure that they are fast, if they finish to Aba, we commence the use of trains to Aba, to Umuahia, and until we get to Maiduguri and Yobe.
“The President appears to be willing to direct that we should create two more new spots – Abakaliki and another to Awka. I don’t have approval yet, but I have the presidential directive to offer an advice, and I have offered the advice”.
The Minister expressed excitement on the completion of the rail link project to Apapa port, adding “I am satisfied. I am proud of what I have seen today.”
Amaechi however called on the company handling the project to ensure that cooling systems are fixed in the four major stations with others having unit systems.
With the job so far done, he said commissioning would ot be a project as it could be done at the shortest notice.
He directed the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to ensure that the ongoing work on the rail track is not disrupted by truck movements.
He said, “The management of the NPA needs to ensure that everybody leaves the work area until it is completed. We cannot allow trucks stand on the tracks unless they are there with cargoes for export or taking out imports.
“Talking about challenges, let’s complete the work up to the quays, then we will deal with the issue of discipline.”
The Minister was accompanied on the inspection tour by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr. Magdalene Ajani; Chairman, Governing Board of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Mall. Musa Al-Hassan and the Managing Director of Nigeria Railway, Engr. Fidet Okhiria.
Transportation Minister, Hon Rotimi Amaechi disclosed this Saturday during an inspection tour of the Lagos-Ibadan rail project.
Amaechi said that Abakaliki and Awka would be covered by the branch routes on the Port Harcourt – Maiduguri Eastern railway corridor.
He disclosed that the President has indicated interest in these projects eventhough the government was yet to give formal approval.
He added that he has the presidential directive to offer an advice on the project, which he has done.
Speaking to journalists, the Minister said, “On March 9, 2021, we will lay the foundation stone for the Eastern rail line. Note that there is a difference between ground-breaking and construction.
“First is groundbreaking, next is frontend engineering. And as they finish, they begin construction. To make sure that they are fast, if they finish to Aba, we commence the use of trains to Aba, to Umuahia, and until we get to Maiduguri and Yobe.
“The President appears to be willing to direct that we should create two more new spots – Abakaliki and another to Awka. I don’t have approval yet, but I have the presidential directive to offer an advice, and I have offered the advice”.
The Minister expressed excitement on the completion of the rail link project to Apapa port, adding “I am satisfied. I am proud of what I have seen today.”
Amaechi however called on the company handling the project to ensure that cooling systems are fixed in the four major stations with others having unit systems.
With the job so far done, he said commissioning would ot be a project as it could be done at the shortest notice.
He directed the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to ensure that the ongoing work on the rail track is not disrupted by truck movements.
He said, “The management of the NPA needs to ensure that everybody leaves the work area until it is completed. We cannot allow trucks stand on the tracks unless they are there with cargoes for export or taking out imports.
“Talking about challenges, let’s complete the work up to the quays, then we will deal with the issue of discipline.”
The Minister was accompanied on the inspection tour by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr. Magdalene Ajani; Chairman, Governing Board of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Mall. Musa Al-Hassan and the Managing Director of Nigeria Railway, Engr. Fidet Okhiria.
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