FG Approves $5.3bn Ibadan-Kano Rail Project

The Minister of Transportation, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, has said that the Federal Government has approved an estimate of $5.3bn for the construction of Ibadan to Kano standard gauge rail.

Amaechi disclosed this during the third Maritime Stakeholders Interactive Forum on Thursday, saying funding applications to commence coastal rail for the Port Harcourt to Warri segment is also ongoing.

“Just yesterday, we got approval to complete the $5.3bn Ibadan to Kano rail project,” he said.

He also directed the Minister of State for Transportation, Gbemisola Saraki, to take charge of all maritime agencies, so he can focus on the railway sector.

“In my first term as minister, I completely abandoned the maritime sector to the heads of agencies. This time, that won’t be happening again.

“I have instructed that the Minister of State for Transportation should personally supervise the maritime agencies, while I just oversee what is happening.”

The Minister however assured that the country will have a single window in the maritime sector before 2020.

Amaechi had on Wednesday disclosed that the said the council Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved a revised estimate cost for the rehabilitation of Itakpe-Ajaokuta-Warri rail line.

According to him, the contract was initially awarded at the rate of $122 million but the ministry requested for the approval of another $56 million to accommodate additional jobs.