…says resuscitation of Ibadan-Abuja narrow gauge will boost trade, commerce
By Seyi Babalola
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun said plans by the Federal Government to connect industrial zones in the country through rail lines, if successfully implemented, would reduce pressure on the nation’s highways and prolong their lifespan.
The governor also noted that the resuscitation of the narrow gauge from Ibadan to Abuja, when completed, would give investors the opportunity to wheel cargo all the way from Lagos to Kano State and improve trade and commerce.
Prince Abiodun stated this on Thursday evening when he received the Minister of Transportation, Senator Saidu Ahmed Alkali and some commissioners for transportation across the country who were in the state for the 18th edition of the National Council on Transportation.
Governor Abiodun commended the minister for the bold steps he is taking to reposition the transportation sector of the country, noting that the plan by the Ministry of Transportation to resuscitate the Kaduna to Kano line would further open up the country for commerce.
“I am very glad about the laudable achievements under your watch, the initiatives that you’re championing, the intervention you have sought from the Chinese to resuscitate the Kaduna to Kano line so that you will now have the connection, all the way from Lagos, Ogun, Ibadan, Abuja, Kaduna and Kano.
“Your admitted to me that you are thinking of how to connect our industrial zones together so you can de-emphasis vehicular transportation whilst connecting the Badagry port to the rail line that will connect with the Lagos to Kano line, also thinking of a line that will go from Lekki port to Ijebu-Ode and connect to Kajola.
“This is indeed very laudable thinking. This is what you see when you put people who have the requisite experience and capacity in position of authority, ” he said.
The governor added that his administration, upon realizing the importance of the transportation sector, quickly created a tlministry that would see to the running of the sector in the state.
“We understand the importance of the ministry of transportation when I assumed office. We didn’t have that ministry in Ogun State. We had the Ministry of Works, and for some strange reasons, my predecessor assumed that the commissioner for works can carry out the responsibilities of the commissioner of transportation.
“We are a testimonial for the transportation sector. We value that sector, we’ve taken transportation very seriously,” he said.
Abiodun said his administration is deeply committed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of renewed hope, adding that the state under his watch would continue to put the people first.
Earlier in his remarks, Senator Alkali noted that the National Council on Transportation would address the National Transportation Policy, which does not exist at the moment.
He said that the ministry has submitted a draft recommendation for stakeholders to make their input for onward presentation and deliberation by the Federal Executive Council.
Senator Alkali disclosed that the Federal Government would soon commence the railway project from Ibadan to Abuja and Kaduna to Kano, adding that the ministry has started the evacuation of about 90 containers daily at the APMT terminal to Ibadan.
According to him, the ministry would start freighting of goods by the end of the present quarter from the APMT terminal to Kano State.
He said that the ministry is currently in high-level discussions with foreign investors to see how the transportation sector can be fixed.
“In December last year, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu directed the Vice President to lead a delegation to attend a conference in Beijing.
“The Vice President was priveleldged to hold a bilateral discussion with the Chinese President. Among the issues raised was in respect of our railway modernization project.
“The project was segmented initially. From Lagos to Ibadan was completed and put into use, and Abuja to Kaduna, Warri to Itakpe. We are looking at the possibility of continuing the project from Ibadan to Abuja and from Kaduna to Kano,” he said.
Alkali acknowledged Governor Abiodun for the great work he has started in the state, saying that he has written his name in gold.
