Amaechi awaits FEC approval for $8billion Ibadan-Kano project

Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi yesterday assured that the proposal for the construction of the Ibadan-Kano standard gauge railway estimated to cost $8billion has been submitted to the Federal Executive Council.

Amaechi who said he is positive about quick approval said the double gauge rail line is expected to pass through Osun, Ekiti, Kwara, Ondo, Niger, Kaduna then Kano. Disclosing this while inspecting ongoing work from Abeokuta to Ibadan, he said the government is committed to the project and is currently negotiating with China Exim bank for $6billion loan for the construction.

He further divulged that the free train ride from Agbado, Lagos to Abeokuta was suspended by the Construction Company to enable them complete the laying of the second tracks in order to ensure safety and the free train rides would commence soon. He attributed the slow pace of work from Abeokuta-Ibadan to elections as the policy of the construction firm requires the workers to travel back to their country for elections and they just returned but he said they have assured them that work will speed up.

Amaechi however disclosed that they have reviewed the contract sum of $1.5billion upward for the Lagos to Ibadan leg to factor in the big modern stations in three locations.