FG Reveals When Port Harcourt-Maiduguri Railway Project Would Kick-Off

The Federal Government of Nigeria has revealed when it will kick start the construction of the Eastern rail line which connects Port Harcourt–Bonny to Maiduguri.

Speaking in Ibadan, Oyo State capital following the inspection of the level of work on all the stations across the Lagos-Ibadan railway project, Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi stated that FG would embark on the Eastern rail project just after completing the Lagos-Ibadan project.

According to him, the commencement of the project is subjected to approval by the Federal Executive Council.

Amaechi further listed other projects in line for commencement under his ministry to include the Kano/Maradi line and the Ibadan to Kano section of the Lagos to Kano rail line.

He said, “We have sent to the cabinet the request for approval of two railway contracts, Port Harcourt – Bonny to Maiduguri. If that is awarded, that will be the next assignment for the Ministry of Transport.”

“Also the Kano – Maradi line, which passes through Kano, Dutse, Kazaure, Daura, Katsina, Jibiya, Maradi.

The minister added, “We are also pursuing the loan for the contract which has been awarded for the Lagos to Calabar rail line. We also expect that Ibadan to Kano will commence before the end of this year,” Amaechi said.

Amaechi while reacting to the accident that happened in Oshodi on Monday, September 14 stated that the Ministry would collaborate with the Lagos State government to ensure fencing of the tracks to forestall such occurrence.

In another news, former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has called for speedy passage of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill into law, Naija News reports.