Buhari Flags off Commercial Operations of $1.5 Billion Lagos-Ibadan Railway Project
- Emoabino Christian
President Muhammadu Buhari, on Thursday 10th June 2021, flagged off commercial operations of the $1.5 billion Lagos-Ibadan railway project at the Mobolaji Johnson Railway Station, Ebute Metta, Lagos.
Speaking at the inauguration, President Buhari said his administration is revitalizing the railway system because it can transform industrial and economic activity in the country, pledging that his administration would continue to prioritize the railway system.
Further highlighting the prospects of the $1.5 billion Lagos-Ibadan railway project, the President said; ‘‘This vital line establishes an end-to-end logistic supply chain in railway transport within its short corridor, Lagos – Ibadan, as goods to the hinterland would now be transported by rail directly from the Apapa port Quayside straight to the Inland Container Depot located in Ibadan from where it can be distributed to other parts of the country.
According to President Buhari, “The Lagos – Kano railway project will link the Kano – Maradi line at Kano, and a rail link from the Nigeria southern ports of Lagos to Maradi in Niger Republic will be achieved.
“The connection through rail would position Nigerian ports as the choice for import and export business of the people of landlocked Niger Republic.”
He went further to say that the mega project would be beneficial to the economy through employment from new business opportunities and wealth creation.
President Buhari commended Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi’s ‘drive and tenacity’ to complete the project.