Senator representing Lagos East Senatorial District and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Land Transport, Gbenga Ashafa has commended President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration commitment on revitalization of rail lines in country. This came as the Federal Government resuscitated the moribund Ajaokuta-Itajpe-Warri rail line after its abandonment by successive administrations.

Ashafa made the remark, yesterday, during an oversight visit by the Senate Committee on Land Transport to the Itakpe-Warri Rail line on Tuesday, November, 6th, which is currently undergoing a test run.

Key stakeholders who were present at the oversight function included: Members of the committee, Senators Osinakachukwu Ideozu, Olanrewaju Tejuoso and Yahaya Gamau Lawal. The Federal Ministry of Transportation represented by the Government Inspector of Railways, Engr. A.B Yusuf, Managing Director of Nigerian Railway Corporation ably represented by Engr. B Kehinde (Deputy Director Rail Mobilzation and Rehabilitation, Fed Ministry of Transportation) as well as the representatives of Julius Berger Nigeria and China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation Ltd CCECC.

According to Ashafa: ” I am excited by the fact that after many years of lack of commitment by successive administrations, and failure by these administrations to revive this all important rail route, the Government of President Buhari has finally been able to do the needful. “You will recall that from the very beginning of our assignment in 2015, I assured you of the commitment of our committee to ensure that we work collaboratively with the executive to ensure that we deliver to the Nigerian people a functional railway system that cuts across the length and breadth of the country.

“This we have done through the guarantee of appropriation for critical infrastructure as well as effective monitoring of expenditure as at when due. We have disagreed on processes, checked and balanced ourselves as should be, but most importantly our collective resolve to see a Nigeria that works, a railway that functions and an administration that succeeds far outweighed our differences politically and institutionally. This remains our commitment”

“In the past three years of this administration, we have been able to work together (the Executive and this committee), to deliver to Nigerians the Port-Harcourt to Owerri line, the Abuja to Kaduna Standard gauge line, a substantial rehabilitation of the entire narrow gauge rail infrastructure which now includes the Ajaokuta – Itakpe – Warri line. We also have in the works for delivery very soon the Lagos to Ibadan Standard gauge line.”

At the end of the inspection by the committee which took them through Sector seven in Agbor, Sector 8 in Abraka and the Warri terminal point in Delta State, Ashafa commended and acknowledged the effort of the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi and all those who played a role in ensuring that the Ajaokuta- Itakpe-Warri rail line becomes operational.

He therefore, urged the contractor, Messrs. CCECC to continue to maintain a high standard of operation and to deliver on all outstanding projects, particularly the Lagos to Ibadan Standard gauge railway timely.

“In the past three years of this administration, we have been able to work together (the Executive and this committee), to deliver to Nigerians the Port-Harcourt to Owerri line, the Abuja to Kaduna Standard gauge line, a substantial rehabilitation of the entire narrow gauge rail infrastructure which now includes the Ajaokuta – Itakpe – Warri line. We also have in the works for delivery very soon the Lagos to Ibadan Standard gauge line.”

FriendNG:
Summary

princdebola201:
buhari has completed more rail projects in 3 years than any government in history of nigeria.

argue with facts

princdebola201:
buhari has completed more rail projects in 3 years than any government in history of nigeria.

argue with facts

Kyase:

you cheat me.... anyways Sai baba

FriendNG:



Initially i was waiting for someone to comment before i do. Baba Buhari Dodar

jumpandpas:

FriendNG:
Summary:

1. The project was initiated 35 years ago but abandoned by successive governments due to alleged corruption as funds earmarked for the rail-line were "diverted to private pockets."

2. 12 Train stations (Itakpe, Eganiy, Adobe, Itogbo, Age Ebode, Uromu, Egehen, Igbanke, Agbor, Abraka, Okpara and Ujewu Stations.)

3. Project costs $200 million: the Minister said the government was funding the revival of the project at a cost of about $200 million.

4. It covers 3 states (Kogi - Edo - Delta States)

5. Muhammadu Buhari through Amaechi concluded the project as test run is ongoing.


Blue3k

AZeD1:

Did you count Buhari's government among the ones in point one ?

Blue3k:
This rail route along with less talked about future warri channel dredging will be beneficial to economy. Move people and goods. Theres plenty of mining in kogi going on.

Corrinthians:
The ignorant Wadata Plaza paid shrills will still be saddened by this. The only time they'd quit being saddened by such good news is when they take their last breath.

May Buhari continue to disappoint them throughout the rest of their miserable lives, amen.

Kastonkastroll:
hear zombie talk. What's the benefit in this now? How many countries in the world waste money and many resources on locomotive trains in this our 21st century?

Blue3k:
You must mentally ineltto ask why trains are important in 21st century. Trains are most efficient ways to transfer bulk goods and people across short distances. Nigeria in particular would spend less on road maintenance and it would take traffic off the street. Most long haul truckers would adjust to shorter hauls. Train rides are cheaper.

Most countries built up their rail or road infrastructure before 21st centary. Most of europe is pretty well connected already. There's plenty of rail infrastructure projects going on world wide google it. Dont be dumb and lazy.

[s][/s]

AZeD1:

Did you count Buhari's government among the ones in point one ?

Kastonkastroll:
hehehe look at how nairaland resident zombies are ejaculating in every angle of this thread

Zombie Ohh zombie

Kastonkastroll:
[s]hear zombie talk. What's the benefit in this now? How many countries in the world waste money and many resources on locomotive trains in this our 21st centur[/s]y?

Kastonkastroll:
hear zombie talk. What's the benefit in this now? How many countries in the world waste money and many resources on locomotive trains in this our 21st century?