Government needs $46 billion to finish rail projects - Amaechi

diamond hope

February 19, 2018 2:44 PM

The Minister of Transportation states that the government is seeking funding to support its rail projects around the country.

The Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi has disclosed that the federal government is seeking a loan of $40 to $46 billion dollars to complete some ongoing rail projects and also begin new ones.

The minister said‎ these rail projects would connect major state capitals across the country.

Speaking generally on the rail sector, the minister said "I think the rail sector is doing fine. The first aspect of it, which is the narrow gauge is where we are not doing much. We are not doing much in the sense that we are negotiating with General Electric (GE) to renovate the narrow gauge and manage it under concession.”

Also, the minister said President Mohammed Buhari is about to award the Port Harcourt to Maiduguri rail line. The plan is to ensure that train gets to all the state capitals.

On the dry Inland Port, he revealed that the one of Plateau will be commissioned by end of April 2018. "You see, these dry port projects are mainly handled by private investors, so there is nothing much the government can do about it."

"However, the best thing government can do is assist with infrastructure. That is why I said the one of Jos will be completed by April because the governor was with me and we are trying to see how we can commission it in March. We have one in Kano, Isi Alangwa, Funtua; I think in total, we have about six or seven or them and work is progressing," the minister explained.

On the progress so far with work at the Lagos-Ibadan rail line, Amaechi said "We still believe we can complete this project before the end of 2018. We have problems in Lagos metropolis and with the relocation of a military barracks but we are working on these challenges.”

He said that he hoped the project will be completed soon that the contract is three years and they are working to finish it within 14 months.

diamond hope