Work begins on Apapa corridor of Lagos-Ibadan rail next week, says Amaechi

Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi, yesterday said work on the Apapa corridor of the Lagos-Ibadan Rail project would commence next week.

Amaechi, who disclosed this after a meeting with Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode and his team in Lagos, said it was gratifying to know that contractors would move to site to continue the Lagos-Ibadan Rail Project from Apapa, as part of efforts to reduce the perennial traffic gridlock in the axis.

“We have utility challenges with gas pipes and water, but beyond that, we also have challenges of either building or demolishing some bridges.

“I remember when we wanted to demolish the Costain Bridge, everybody screamed and we had to invite Governor Ambode to assist us.

He took us there and promised that he would pay the compensations.

“I like the fact that the Lagos State government is also contributing to the effort.

And so, what we have come here to do is to ensure that there is a win-win situation.

Governor Ambode has been very cooperative in that regard,” Amaechi said.

He said besides the rail projects, the Federal Government was also working on roads, saying a combination of the projects would facilitate seamless movement of cargos from Apapa ports.

Speaking, Ambode applauded the Federal Government for commencing work on the Lagos-Ibadan Rail Project from the Apapa axis, expressing hope that the development would enhance movement of cargos from Lagos to other parts of the country.

He also commended the Federal Government for approving reconstruction of the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway as part of efforts to finding lasting solution to the perennial traffic gridlock on the axis.

Meanwhile, about 48 new coaches are being expected to boost the operations of the Abuja Light Rail Project, even as the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has called on the private sector to help develop the remaining lots of the rail transport system.

However, the Federal government has said that the N199 billion infrastructure development fund will be used to fix critical projects in the six geographical zones of the country.

Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, who disclosed this during an inspection of the light rail project yesterday in Abuja, said there will be a huge subsidy to make the cost of using the trains affordable, safer and more effective.