The Nigerian Government has approved $5.3bn for the construction of Ibadan- Kano standard gauge.
The Minister of transportation, Rotimi Amaechi who disclosed this on Thursday, at the 3rd Maritime Stakeholders Interactive Forum in Lagos said is continuation of governments desire to revamp the rail sector across the country for economic growth.
According to the minister”Just yesterday( Wednesday) we got approval to complete the $5.3bn Ibadan to Kano rail project.
“We have also applied for funding to commence coastal rail for the Port-Harcourt to Warri segment,”he added.
Commenting on the state of security in the nations maritime domain, the Amaechi said,”On maritime security, I have told the Israeli firm HSLi that they are too slow. By now, they should have launched. I want to know the situation of things with the aspect of security on our maritime space.”
BusinessDay recalled that, in 2017 the minister had awarded a $195m contract to HSLi systems, an Israeli company, to provide security in our waterways.
The contract would see Nigeria acquire three helicopters, three aircraft, three big battle- ready ships, 12 vessels and 20 amphibious cars to secure Nigerian waters
Rotimi Amaechi hinted that Gbemisola Saraki who is the minister, (State)transportation would oversee all maritime agencies while he will be focusing on the Railway sector.
Hear him,”In my first term as Minister, i completely abandoned the maritime sector to the Heads of agencies. This term around, that won’t be happening again as I have instructed that the Honourable Minister of Transportation for State should personally supervise the maritime agencies, while I just oversight what is happening.
“There are two things I discussed with Mr. President that I will be focusing on in this second term as Minister, and they are maritime security and the Single Window project. I have assured government that by the end of 2020, we should have the Single Window at our maritime sector.
Stella Enenche, Abuja
