Everyday I wake up about 06.00 precisely, prepare for work and bike to the train station leaving home at 06.45 prompt. At a precise time my train arrives, I board it and off to work I go, always arriving ON TIME and mostly 30 minutes before actual work starts.

On my way back from work, as I wait for my train to arrive, I see the high speed trains whizz past me with incredible speeds of sometimes 120mph, carrying business and first class passengers, company executives and normal commuters and workers like myself. I also see heavy duty transport trains carrying dozens and dozens of containers, cars, building materials etc travelling at not less than 70mph.

As I look I wonder, what about my own country Nigeria ? Why have we not been able to come up with such an efficient rail system, thereby alleviating the serious transportation problems we have today ? With such a system in place, businesses will flourish because goods will always arrive on time, appointments will be met, workers will be more relaxed after an easy journey to the office and most importantly the Roads will be de-cluttered.


I remember when I schooled in the North, it took almost a 2 day journey from Lagos to Kano, whereas with the trains here in the UK that journey will last JUST 6 Hours. Up to date and we are talking about over a decade ago, things have only deteriorated to worse in our rail system, absolutely no improvement whatsoever, a real shame if you ask me !

Some time ago, Obasanjo had some good proposals which the Chinese where supposed to implement, but alas as is always the case with the Nigerian factor it appears that this idea has already been shelved. What next ?

My view is that apart from fixing our shameful road network, we need to provide alternatives such as a national rail system, a revamped ferry service in water surrounding areas and a more reliable , secure and efficient coach system.

Lets discuss this here, your contributions will be appreciated.

Please see the proposed white elephant rail project that never took off !



[flash=400,400]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66XpNrRupEw&hl=en[/flash]





Example of fast trains UK


[flash=400,400]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KF74O4xyn2o&hl=en[/flash]

@Seun, Kosovo, Aisha2, Mukina

[size=13pt]This is an example of the kind of topics we hope to discuss in a development section[/size]

@Topic:

I believe for this kind of project to kick off, the Government must first address the issue of power which remains the bane and grassroot of most socio economic and Industrial problem in Nigeria

I Pray that Nigeria can Achieve this kind of Project, this is what we are looking for in Nigeria, without efficient Rail system Naija is Going No where.


God help Naija and Africa as a whole

Love from

Cophenhagen

What about the oil rich east? That should be the 1st phase if this would get off the ground.

Since the source of the nation's wealth is located in the East, it would make more sense if you start this railway from Port Harcourt to Abuja.

^ lolz what a daft argument.

violent:

@Seun, Kosovo, Aisha2, Mukina

[size=13pt]This is an example of the kind of topics we hope to discuss in a development section[/size]

Exactly, Exactly Exactly!!

Please moderators, move this thread to the Development section as it doesn't exactly belong in Politics

SEFAGO:

^ lolz what a daft argument.

Hush Femi! You know it is true. It would make since if the East gets this project first. Improve the old Enugu to Port Harcourt line.

This rather than the apparent craze for airports going on at the moment. People forget it is easier to move stuff around in Trains rather than planes and their bloody baggage limits.

SEFAGO:

^ lolz what a daft argument.

violent:

@Topic:

I believe for this kind of project to kick off, the Government must first address the issue of power which remains the bane and grassroot of most socio economic and Industrial problem in Nigeria

Agreed, I am more or less positive that Jonathan is clued up as to what is required to improve power supply across the country, specifically by repairing and enhancing the present dilapidated power plants.

However what is required on a permanent basis is the research and implementation of a more sustainable means of power supply that is cheap,eco- friendly and safe.

Now I have been laughed at previously for mentioning nuclear energy,  but like Obama I think this is the way to go .

This is a very good idea. I hope this plan gets off the ground. We need to invest in our infrastructure. Improve those treacherous roads as well.

However, as a previous poster had previously said, why not improve the deteriorating rail line located in the East that runs from Port Harcourt to Enugu.

Or how about from Port Harcourt to Lagos? We need more integration of the south since there is a lot of travel from south to south.

frosbel:


Now I have been laughed at previously for mentioning nuclear energy,  but like Obama I think this is the way to go .

I have no problem with nuclear energy, but Nigeria has to show that it is ready to use this powerful yet dangerous power supplier. We cannot maintain our current power stations, do you actually believe that we are ready to have nuclear power?

Maybe in the future, but not now. Let us start small, before we enter that realm.

tundewoods:

Lagos state appears to be the only state with enough balls to take up this challenge and they have indeed shown their desire to deploy light rail system for Lagos state.

Below are some links of previous discussions on NL with regards to light rail system to be implemented by Lagos state and other articles on wikipedia .

https://www.nairaland.com/nigeria/topic-372396.0.html


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_light-rail_transit_systems

I am aware of this , and have always admired Fashola for his sense of purpose.

Just watch and see Lagos( provided Fashola's policies continue ) turn into a mega city leaving the rest of the country behind shortly. This will happen UNLESS the Federal Government starts to address this most important issue.

frosbel:

I am aware of this , and have always admired Fashola for his sense of purpose.

Just watch and see Lagos( provided Fashola's policies continue ) turn into a mega city leaving the rest of the country behind shortly. This will happen UNLESS the Federal Government starts to address this most important issue.

Let us not forget the good work that Governor Amaechi is doing for Port Harcourt. However, Fashola is doing a wonderful job for Lagos and he needs to keep up the good work. I see Lagos and Port Harcourt surpassing the rest of the country.

great job frosbel ! I can see that you have shed your old skin for a pragmatic and developmental threads towards the good of Nigeria in general ! Once again great job and begining of our renewed friendship on NL.

Now back to the topic raised.

In as much as i am aware of the recent trend of imaginary development by some state governments to embrace wild goose chase by wasting their states tax payers money on gullible airports instead of applaudible projects such as improved inter state light rail projects.

Lastly for all those about to start ethnic mayhem on this thread due to their dreams of rail projects being implemented in oil rich east. Their is no problem with your proposals. However why not tell your state governors to lead by example and set the ball in motion with proposals and blue prints.

Would require Public finance (Government) and Private expertise (Specialist rail contractor).

Such aliances are common in the west although elements of corruption are also common.

EzeUche:

Hush Femi! You know it is true. It would make since sense if the East gets this project first. Improve the old Enugu to Port Harcourt line.

lol, see how this guy don give me name. The above seems better than the previous statement about the oil rich east.

hatch#:

Lastly for all those about to start ethnic mayhem on this thread due to their dreams of rail projects being implemented in oil rich east. Their is no problem with your proposals. However why not tell your state governors to lead by example and set the ball in motion with proposals and blue prints. 

No need for us to start ethnic mayhem. I think we would all like to see our respective regions being developed. It was a valid question that I posed.

However, I have noticed a lot more travel from South to South than North to South. Connecting Port Harcourt to Lagos would be very nice as well and it serves an economic purpose. Because along that rail line you could also connect Warri as well.

hatch#:

great job frosbel ! I can see that you have shed your old skin for a pragmatic and developmental threads towards the good of Nigeria in general !   Once again great job and begining of our renewed friendship on NL.

Now back to the topic raised.

In as much as i am aware of the recent trend of imaginary development by some state governments to embrace wild goose chase by wasting their states tax payers money on gullible airports instead of applaudible projects such as improved inter state light rail projects.

Lastly for all those about to start ethnic mayhem on this thread due to their dreams of rail projects being implemented in oil rich east. Their is no problem with your proposals. However why not tell your state governors to lead by example and set the ball in motion with proposals and blue prints.  

The last of your points is why I have always been a strong advocate of regional governments for nigeria.

Lagos can build a light rail network because it has the traffic to attract investments which I doubt other
states can.

But what is imperative is an inter city network which at the moment only the FG has the muscle to build
But the FG has shown gross ineptitude at even the most basic thing that it would be too much to rely
on them.

Hounded by the spectre of federal character, the FG has over the years shown the incapacity to manage
even the simplest projects because they are too far and accountability is low. And starkly put, they don't
know how to. All those monies we have spent training civil servants has been a waste of resources

Regional governments will be sufficiently close enough to the people and with collective budgets and markets
will be able to implement such projects on their own.

Envisage a western regional government for example utilising the transport budgets of Oyo Ogun and Lagos
to build a Lagos to Ibadan line, or a Benin to PH line with South South budgets or with the cooperation of two
regional governments , a Lagos to PH line.

We seriously need to start developing the ideological fault lines based on decentralisation of power. Those who
have clamoured for ideology in politics will have their wishes fulfilled.

But so long as we let so much get wasted in Abuja. . . .the longer will our poverty continue.

hatch#:

great job frosbel ! I can see that you have shed your old skin for a pragmatic and developmental threads towards the good of Nigeria in general !  Once again great job and begining of our renewed friendship on NL.

Now back to the topic raised.

In as much as i am aware of the recent trend of imaginary development by some state governments to embrace wild goose chase by wasting their states tax payers money on gullible airports instead of applaudible projects such as improved inter state light rail projects.

Lastly for all those about to start ethnic mayhem on this thread due to their dreams of rail projects being implemented in oil rich east. Their is no problem with your proposals. However why not tell your state governors to lead by example and set the ball in motion with proposals and blue prints. 

lol. I love my country just like you do and believe in providing a balaned view of events.

Firstly, I agree with you on one point, that State governments should implement their own domestic light rail systems just like Fashola has done. If he can do it, so can they!

Secondly , the Federal government should be responsible for Inter-City rail, e.g from Kano to Lagos, Portharcourt to Abuja and so on and so forth.

But seriously I am baffled as to why Obasanjo's idea failed to kick off. 

doyin13:

The last of your points is why I have always been a strong advocate of regional governments for nigeria.

Lagos can build a light rail network because it has the traffic to attract investments which I doubt other
states can.

But what is imperative is an inter city network which at the moment only the FG has the muscle to build
But the FG has shown gross ineptitude at even the most basic thing that it would be too much to rely
on them.

Hounded by the spectre of federal character, the FG has over the years shown the incapacity to manage
even the simplest projects because they are too far and accountability is low. And starkly put, they don't
know how to. All those monies we have spent training civil servants has been a waste of resources

Regional governments will be sufficiently close enough to the people and with collective budgets and markets
will be able to implement such projects on their own.

Envisage a western regional government for example utilising the transport budgets of Oyo Ogun and Lagos
to build a Lagos to Ibadan line, or a Benin to PH line with South South budgets or with the cooperation of two
regional governments , a Lagos to PH line.

We seriously need to start developing the ideological fault lines based on decentralisation of power. Those who
have clamoured for ideology in politics will have their wishes fulfilled.

But so long as we let so much get wasted in Abuja. . . .the longer will our poverty continue.

Agreed , major cities just like Kano, Abuja, Lagos , Portharcourt etc will need domestic rail systems due to their large size, intense business activity etc.

But for other states, these railway lines must at least traverse some major port or capital. For example in Imo state there will be two Stops, Owerri and Aba and a similar situation for other states.

Albeit, no state should be left out of the scheme !

frosbel:


lol. I reserve that for the religious section.

Firstly, I agree with you on one point, that State governments should implement their own domestic light rail systems just like Fashola has done. If he can do it, so can they!

Secondly , the Federal government should be responsible for Inter-City rail, e.g from Kano to Lagos, Portharcourt to Abuja and so on and so forth.

But seriously I am baffled as to why Obasanjo's idea failed to kick off.  

Obasanjo had already signed the contracts and I remember reading he paid 250 million dollars or so for the takeoff, money that was forfeited after Yaradua decided to cancel the project  because apparently the terms were not favourable. Under the terms of the agreement as well, Lagos would have been able to utilise the current railway corridor in the Oshodi to Ebute Metta area to construct a second line. I have not heard much about that lately but I suspect that has been shelved as well, as work has only started on one of the lines in Lagos.

It was a similar story in the power sector. If Yaradua rather than go on a witch hunt had damned it all and simply finished the NIPP projects. the power situation would have been resolved by now. But no, he decided to go on a wild goose chase only to eventually pay ever larger sums to finish the project.

@Topic

While it is desirable to have these kind of infrastructure, the big big question to ask is how would the money come about?
We can dream big dreams and have a mind to execute them, however if we don't address the issue of finance, then I'm sorry with the best of Governments, we would never have these kinds of infrastructure.
The Lagos Light rail alone which doesn't even cover a tenth of Lagos is expected to cost $3 billion. The Lagos-Kano rail project [/b]you referenced was awarded at [b]$8 Billion. The Niger Delta Coastal Road project is estimated at something like $7Billion.

Nigeria budgets around $20 Billion yearly and almost 70% of that goes for recurrent expenditure, leaving barely $6 Billion yearly to execute capital projects across the whole country. This is massively insufficient.
No matter the amount of oil we produce we cannot through the current system finance the kind of infrastructural projects you desire.
Nigeria  would need somewhere in the region of $40 billion dollars of zero corruption funding yearly in capital projects only for say the next 20 years to achieve just a minimal portion of the kind of development you desire.
We currently produce approx 700 million barrels of oil yearly and at an average of $50 per barrel, that would leave you with a maximum of $35billion doallrs

So the big question if you notice is Finance! Where would the money come from??


Look at these figures:
We probably need another 25,000 km worth of freeways in the country.
Average Cost: $100 Billion of corruption free money.

10,000 Km of rail network (mixture of High speed & Normal)
Average Cost: $120 Billion of bribery free cash.

Power sector alone probably needs investments of 20 billion dollars yearly for the next 10 years to catch up with South Africa.
There is a shortfall of 16 million houses and a myriad of decrepit educational and healthcare facilities.


So with all these competing needs, where do we get the money That is the question I think we should address on this thread. How does a good intentioned Government for example Fashola's get the kind of monies needed to bring about these kinds of development?

I have just looked through some links and yes indeed
250 million dollars might have gone down the drain.

Apparently all the surverying and designing had been done.

All that was to follow was the laying of tracks.

The project was cancelled because Yaradua was not willing
to use excess crude funds to fund the project like Obj planned.

In lieu of the ambitious Obj plan, they settled for modernisation of
the current narrow gauge system and bought some rickety looking
locomotives.

Me thinks that train journey from lagos to kano might still be taking two
days for a while to come.

Most alarming though is the fact the Nigerian Railways even through all
these still has 6,000 staff.

THE SHEER WASTE AT THE FEDERAL LEVEL IS ASTOUNDING

PapaBrowne, thanks for your analysis and the figures.
KnowAll, thanks for providing the idea that Odua Investments could fund this project.
Another way that a project such as this one could be funded is through the Federal Government. On completion of the project, they could sell shares to the Nigerian diaspora, thereby solving the problem of how to finance this project. Also, this way the Nigerian diaspora would be part of the board of trustees, as well as be involved in management, which could help ensure that the project does not fail and is maintained as well. I, for one, would be ready to buy shares in a project such as this one if this helps ensure that it is carried out appropriately.
Furthermore, this could also be a great investment opportunity for Nigerians back home. Overall, I think it can be done.

beystwin:

PapaBrowne, thanks for your analysis and the figures.
KnowAll, thanks for providing the idea that Odua Investments could fund this project.
Another way that a project such as this one could be funded is through the Federal Government. On completion of the project, they could sell shares to the Nigerian diaspora, thereby solving the problem of how to finance this project. Also, this way the Nigerian diaspora would be part of the board of trustees, as well as be involved in management, which could help ensure that the project does not fail and is maintained as well. I, for one, would be ready to buy shares in a project such as this one if this helps ensure that it is carried out appropriately.
Furthermore, this could also be a great investment opportunity for Nigerians back home. Overall, I think it can be done.

This sounds like a very very good initiative and I am all for it on one condition , that the money is used for what it is purposed for.

beystwin:

PapaBrowne, thanks for your analysis and the figures.
KnowAll, thanks for providing the idea that Odua Investments could fund this project.
Another way that a project such as this one could be funded is through the Federal Government. On completion of the project, they could sell shares to the Nigerian diaspora, thereby solving the problem of how to finance this project. Also, this way the Nigerian diaspora would be part of the board of trustees, as well as be involved in management, which could help ensure that the project does not fail and is maintained as well. I, for one, would be ready to buy shares in a project such as this one if this helps ensure that it is carried out appropriately.
Furthermore, this could also be a great investment opportunity for Nigerians back home. Overall, I think it can be done.

This is obviously one very good way to go about it.

Already Nigerians in Diaspora remit above $10 billion yearly for things that probably wouldn't bring them any returns.
If an Infrastructural Development Fund with potential for good returns on investment is instituted, definitely monies larger than our yearly budget will flow in from Nigerians in Diaspora.

The problem though is the framework for Private development of infrastructure hasn't been developed by the Nigerian Government. Obasanjo was trying to do just that but Yar Adua came in and slowed everything down.
Lagos State is already experimenting with this and it is working pretty good.

I heard some candidate from outside Nigeria is proposing a high speed rail system in Nigeria as a part of his agenda. Yep he said that's what he's going to do. Go read for  yourself @ www.anewnigerianow.net. Let's make him work with your proposal. That's what our money should get for us I suppose. We are smart and can build our country but he need a leader that see it in themselves to build Nigeria.

wedapeople:

I heard some candidate from outside Nigeria is proposing a high speed rail system in Nigeria as a part of his agenda. Yep he said that's what he's going to do. Go read for  yourself @ www.anewnigerianow.net. Let's make him work with your proposal. That's what our money should get for us I suppose. We are smart and can build our country but he need a leader that see it in themselves to build Nigeria.

His goals are worthy of mention and implementation, but he has no chance in 2011, lets face it, lol.