FG to spend N15bn on rail connection
By MADUKA nweke, manweke@gmail.com 08034207864
The Federal Government has plans to spend N15 billion on railroad to connect every part of the country, a step expected to crash the cost of transportation in the country dramatically.
The Federal Government disclosed that this administration would spend a whopping sum of N15 billion for mega rail project that will originate from Lagos through the South-west, South-south up to the northern parts of the country.
President Goodluck Jonathan, who stated this in Okerenkoko, Delta State, during the inauguration of the Maritime University and Shipyard under the management of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety (NIMASA), stated that the project would be completed as soon as possible to reduce the pressure on the roads arising from heavy cargo and human traffic on the roads.
The President said the rail project, when completed, will also assist in the evacuation of containers from the seaports to further boost the nation’s economy. “Let me say here that we’ll build roads in the coastal areas to revamp the economy of this region (South-south). More importantly, we’ll build rails and provide trains for mass transit and transportation of heavy materials.
“Rail is the cheapest way to move people and goods. Look at the UK, for instance; excellent rail network makes the country tick. Our roads collapse quickly in Nigeria because of the pressure on them. That project will cost between N12 and N15 billion. It’s from Lagos through the South-south, South-west to the North. It will really improve the economy and that’s what we want to achieve,” he stated.
Jonathan lamented that Nigeria has dropped on the list of leading maritime nations, vowing to redress the situation, while lauding the efforts of the Transport Minister, Senator Idris Umar, and the Director General of NIMASA.
“In the past, Nigeria was a very big player in the global maritime domain. We even boasted of many ocean-going vessels when our shipping line was active. We need to get back to shape. Even the Cabotage law in Nigeria hasn’t been maximised because we have dropped in capacity in the maritime sector. Today, the world is talking about blue economy focusing on how to improve the maritime sector, fisheries section and even for pleasure. So, I appreciate the efforts of the Transport Minister in working closely with NIMASA in bringing out these massive projects we’re celebrating today. It shows hard work and commitment,” he stated.
The President, while speaking on the Maritime University, stated that it is critical for capacity building and manpower development, noting that it would be the second specialised university his administration will be undertaking. “We already have 12 normal universities and with this one in Okerenkoko, we can say we’re on track in manpower development.”
He also revealed that the Federal Government is working closely with some state governors in the development of various seaports, adding that the projects, when completed, will provide employment for thousands of Nigerians.
The Federal Government has plans to spend N15 billion on railroad to connect every part of the country, a step expected to crash the cost of transportation in the country dramatically.
The Federal Government disclosed that this administration would spend a whopping sum of N15 billion for mega rail project that will originate from Lagos through the South-west, South-south up to the northern parts of the country.
President Goodluck Jonathan, who stated this in Okerenkoko, Delta State, during the inauguration of the Maritime University and Shipyard under the management of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety (NIMASA), stated that the project would be completed as soon as possible to reduce the pressure on the roads arising from heavy cargo and human traffic on the roads.
The President said the rail project, when completed, will also assist in the evacuation of containers from the seaports to further boost the nation’s economy. “Let me say here that we’ll build roads in the coastal areas to revamp the economy of this region (South-south). More importantly, we’ll build rails and provide trains for mass transit and transportation of heavy materials.
“Rail is the cheapest way to move people and goods. Look at the UK, for instance; excellent rail network makes the country tick. Our roads collapse quickly in Nigeria because of the pressure on them. That project will cost between N12 and N15 billion. It’s from Lagos through the South-south, South-west to the North. It will really improve the economy and that’s what we want to achieve,” he stated.
Jonathan lamented that Nigeria has dropped on the list of leading maritime nations, vowing to redress the situation, while lauding the efforts of the Transport Minister, Senator Idris Umar, and the Director General of NIMASA.
“In the past, Nigeria was a very big player in the global maritime domain. We even boasted of many ocean-going vessels when our shipping line was active. We need to get back to shape. Even the Cabotage law in Nigeria hasn’t been maximised because we have dropped in capacity in the maritime sector. Today, the world is talking about blue economy focusing on how to improve the maritime sector, fisheries section and even for pleasure. So, I appreciate the efforts of the Transport Minister in working closely with NIMASA in bringing out these massive projects we’re celebrating today. It shows hard work and commitment,” he stated.
The President, while speaking on the Maritime University, stated that it is critical for capacity building and manpower development, noting that it would be the second specialised university his administration will be undertaking. “We already have 12 normal universities and with this one in Okerenkoko, we can say we’re on track in manpower development.”
He also revealed that the Federal Government is working closely with some state governors in the development of various seaports, adding that the projects, when completed, will provide employment for thousands of Nigerians.
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