FG to flag-off Eastern rail corridor next week—Amaechi

By Blessing wika, Abuja

The President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, will perform the groundbreaking ceremony for the Eastern rail corridor on 9th March, 2021.

The Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi disclosed this during inspection tour to all the stations from Mobolaji Johnson Station at Ebuta Metta to Ibadan station over the weekend.

He further disclosed that the President has also approved the redirecting of the Eastern line to two new spurs namely: Abakaliki, Ebonyi State and Awka, Anambra State.

Similarly, the Minister mentioned that the Federal Government has approved the commencement of the Port Harcourt – Kano rail project and is also negotiating loans for Lagos – Calabar rail project.

On the take-off of the Ibadan-Kano rail project, Amaechi said that the government is still seeking approval for loan to enable it take off.

Speaking on the Lagos-Ibadan rail project, Amaechi noted that he has challenged Messrs. China Civil Engineering and Construction Company (CCECC) to deploy global acceptable safety and security standards for the project. He directed that central cooling system be installed in all the major train stations along that route.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, Chairman, Board NRC, Ibrahim Alhassan, Managing Director Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC), Fidet Okhiria, Acting MD, TEAM, Francesco Fiermonte, some Directors of the Ministry were among  those at the inspection.