West Africa's Largest Transport Terminal Launches In Kogi


January 20, 2016 would go down as yet another historic day in the annals of Kogi state. The day marked the launching of the ultra-modern Lokoja mega terminal in the state. About 14,000 passengers per day resulting in an expected average of about 3.5million passengers per annum will use the terminal, with a capacity of over 500 vehicles.

Kogi state which is the only state in Nigeria bordered by ten other states therefore conferring on her capital, Lokoja, the opportunities of a transport hub. Exploiting this opportunity was a major consideration by the Idris Wada led administration when it conceived the idea for the Lokoja Mega Terminal.

Speaking at the launch of the terminal, His Excellency, The Executive Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, “For a long time in Nigeria, Motor Parks typically convey the picture of dingy havens, where all manner of vices reign supreme. Touting, thuggery, violence, drugs, alcohol intoxication, child labor are a few associations many people have with motor parks in Nigeria.”

“FRSC published data on Road Traffic Crashes (RTC) revealed that between 2012 & 2014, there were a total of 30,532 road accidents nationwide involving 132784 passengers with 13% fatality rate. If these figures are anything to go by, then it means that road accidents have assumed the dimension of an endemic disease, and thus must be given critical attention by the government”, he added.

Governor Mimiko further added, “Strategic investment in infrastructure aimed at changing and shaping the orientation of critical stakeholders in the public transport system such as commercial vehicle operators is not only a commendable way to go, but the only one. This Mega terminal will aid in providing operators with the right psyche. And with the undeniable rise of terrorists and retrogressive elements targeting public spaces, a controlled and secured environment like this becomes imperative. I am indeed delighted that the government of Kogi state stayed true to its course of people-oriented programmes despite the extremely challenging economic times for the country.”

Describing the Lokoja Mega Terminal, the Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency, Governor Idris Wada said, “This terminal is the flagship project of the transport masterplan, which was conceptualized by this administration for Kogi state. Facilities available at the terminal include loading bays, parking areas, shops, clinic, banking services, washing bays etc. Facilities like the motel and filling station are currently under development and will be managed in conjunction with the private sector under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) law that was passed by earlier under this Administration.

The transport terminal will solve the problem of indiscriminate parking and disorganized motor park activities around the town that have contributed to creating traffic gridlocks in Lokoja. Other aspects of the transport masterplan for the state include the Lokoja subsidized bus service, the Lokoja interstate franchise service, the Lokoja intracity bus service and water transportation service. ”

It would be recalled that Governor Wada flagged off the kogi state transport masterplan with the launch of the Lokoja metro bus service in 2014. The Lokoja metro, which was the first government-subsidized public, transport service in the country, brought about a sharp reduction in transport fare from N150 to N50 within Lokoja town.

“This project is in keeping faith with my belief that as a state we must continue to look for ways to shore up the revenue base of the state. My position has been further buttressed by the economic reality of these present times wherein our dwindling allocation as a state often even falls short of our recurrent expenditures. Till date, this administration has entered into about 42 PPP arrangements nearing various stages of completion - Top of which is the 11-storey Kogi house project in Abuja”, he added.

In a related development, the Wada Administration has also completed the procurement process for the Ganaja flyover process that will ease the traffic situation in Lokoja. In addition to being the first flyover in the state, it is also the first contractor-financed project in the state. TEC ENGINEERING limited - a Chinese company that sourced its funds from the Chinese Government is executing the project.

At a ceremony to herald the project, Governor Wada said "This is not a project where we pay mobilization or advance payment. It is contractor-financed, and a window of opportunity that Kogi cannot afford to miss. This project is for all the people of Kogi, it does not belong to me".

Joseph Kuye,
Lokoja, Kogi.

Cc
Lalasticlala
Ishilove
Semid4lyfe
Obinoscopy

Stupid people, this is not a project

Good one sha for my state

This place no big for my eye o, congrats all the same

Hmm Pet project, bt anyway, its gud and okay for their state level, in parley with what they earn as a state.

commission everything 'commissionable' before you get kicked Sir

I've always said it that pleasing Nigerians is the hardest job in the world, Its almost impossible. All those condemning this project have not seen it in reality yet. I'm very sure by the time they see it, their perception will change. Meanwhile, I thank Almighty Allah for giving Governor Idris Wada the wisdom to undertake this massive project. Really proud to be associated with him.

It's funny how every state thinks they can be like Lagos. By being the commercial centre of the Nation, it enjoys a lot of privileges.

If the thinking behind this project is because of the role Lokoja plays as a travel hub, then this is definitely a great step in the right direction.

I remember my many trips from Lagos to Abuja via those luxurious buses and how we had to stopover at some dingy park to freshen up. Wouldn't even dare eat the food there talk less of using the toilet.

My only problem with this as is with many projects is maintenance, especially if an incoming administration is of a different party from the outgoing one. Will look out for it on my next trip.

Hollaniyii:
Stupid people, this is not a project

Who are the silly people?


And what is it if its not a project?


I hope you're not one of those Ikorodu and Ojota folks who always think there is no life outside Lagos. I checked your profile and I found out that you reside in Lagos and I couldn't fault your claims cos that's how majority of you reason, especially those who haven't travelled beyond Lagos for 20+ years. We know your type very well.

Lagosians unexposed overcrowded sardines like you will even argue that Ilorin or Akure is a village.



The project is not s!lly, and please Kogi people aren't s!lly either. You can fault the purpose or relevance of the project; you can criticize the funds (if you have any fact) expended on the project, but please do not call us names.

honeywealth75:
Hmm Pet project, bt anyway, its gud and okay for their state level, in parley with what they earn as a state.

How many states in Nigeria gets more allocation than Kogi?

Wada is sick!

Good development!

Buy @80% shipping discount on Jumia.

Wada messed up big time

Great

The project is good if and only if it creates jobs for the unemployed youth roaming about the street...



#Gbam

Wada succeeded in drawing Kogi back by 4years

Okay...


Check my signature for ur customised wristband

Thief hw many months remain

Soultechy:
Wada succeeded in drawing Kogi back by 4years

if this is a drawback then u're truly alien.

Oga when are you paying workers their 3 months salary

That is not bad at all..

I'm nt always moved by dis so-called feat, dis is simply becos if they don't do it, who else will? Or why are they there in d first instance? Afterall, all d facilities & infractructures they enjoyed & rode thru to be 'great' today were once put in place by d then selfless leaders who saw governance as a call & true commitment to serve. Dis is against what we hv today.

Most unfortunate is fact dat majority of them enjoyed free or highly affordable educational systems in their days & travelled worldwide as freely as they could to further build their carreer, but all of these are basterdised now.

Na this one dem dey sing After the reggea play the blues for. After 4years the beauty of this good work go die bcus d people in Nigeria lack maintainance culture

Nice one. KogiboyAlways...

Kogi na real confluence state. 10 bordering states??

Hollaniyii:
Stupid people, this is not a project

Mumu. It's what?

I won't blame Mimiko,since na only market and bus stop him they build for him ppl.

dying minute launch.... EFCC dey vex now o

Acidosis:


Who are the silly people?


And what is it if its not a project?


I hope you're not one of those Ikorodu and Ojota folks who always think there is no life outside Lagos. I checked your profile and I found out that you reside in Lagos and I couldn't fault your claims cos that's how majority of you reason, especially those who haven't travelled beyond Lagos for 20+ years. We know your type very well.



The project is not s!lly, and please Kogi people aren't s!lly either. You can fault the purpose or relevance of the project; you can criticize the funds (if you have any) expended on the project, but please do not call us names.

Bro, why dignify the lassa vector with so much diction sef?

But no water supply for over two weeks in lokoja.