Government commits to reviving railway system

Government commits to reviving railway system
Abdul Semiu Babalola, Lagos

The Nigerian government has reinstated its commitment to reviving the comatose rail transport system across the country, as a way of achieving social and economic transformation in Nigeria.

The Minister of Transport, Senator Idris Umar, gave the assurance at the Lagos House Ikeja, when he visited the state Governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola.

Senator Umar said President Goodluck Jonathan is passionate about bringing back the glorious past of the Nigerian railways system which played crucial role in opening up of economic opportunities for the people, stressing that the revitalization which has started will be intensified.

The Minister, who said he was in Lagos to familiarise himself with the workings of the Ports, Railways and also see the level of achievements, the challenges and prospects, called for greater collaboration between the Lagos State Government and Federal Government.

Addressing challenges

He expressed the belief that with further interaction and interface, contending issues particularly affecting the railways, maritime Ports Authority, National Maritime Safety Agency (NIMASA), and the Shippers council would be resolved.  

“I belief you will be willing to take up the challenge of putting in place infrastructure leading to the Ports. We have cases pending before you on the need to release certain parcels of land for purpose of port development. Whatever is due to Lagos within the confines of the law will be addressed’’, the Transport Minister explained.

Senator Umar who also spoke on the ship wrecks in Lagos territorial waters said the President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan had already directed that action be taken on the wrecks as he has zero tolerance for them on the coastal waters.

Resuscitating rail network

Governor Babatunde Fashola in his remarks emphasised that there would be no good roads in the country until plans to build new ones were complemented by a reactivation and maintenance of a reliable rail network.

“That explains the sorry state of the Apapa -Oshodi Expressway which also serves five industrial estates namely Apapa, Amuwo- Odofin, Isolo, Matori, and Ilupeju Industrial estates. Non-industrialists are also making use of the roads importing rice, milk and so many other things that hit the market’’, the Governor said.

He pledged to give support to the resuscitation of the rail system so that petroleum cargo can pass through the rail network, adding that the rail tracks are still at Apapa, what need to be done is to re-establish network.

Governor Fashola expressed optimism that the step would eliminate incidences of overturn of tankers as well as containers falling and crushing vehicles.

Fashola pointed out that such goods would have been transported through a reliable rail network.

“We hope you will find the resources, energy and team with the same commitment that you have shown to deliver this rail network in the shortest possible time. No road will last without a supporting rail network”, Fashola remarked.

He suggested that the Federal Government concede control of the sea ports to the state government, pointing out that this is what obtains in several other federations where many popular airports and seaports are in control of the host community irrespective of the Federal Government role in the area,

Governor Fashola said the suggestion was also one of the ways to solve the challenge of always looking for revenue to fix critically damaged infrastructure.

Williams