Lagos–Kano rail: Delayed funding threatens completion of project

The Lagos-Ibadan-Kano rail project also known as the Western Rail project is an important rail project that aims to link the economic capital of the nation Lagos with the rest of country on the western axis, this rail project is aimed at improving the economic activities between the north and the south and also cut commute time between Lagos and Kano, to this end the president Muhammadu Buhari in his next level agenda promised to complete the project.

The project is splintered into many phases some of which are completed and others construction have not begun. The phase between Lagos – Ibadan and Abuja – Kaduna is completed and has been operational the phase between Ibadan - Abuja and Kaduna – Kano has not been completed.

Promise: Complete Lagos- Ibadan-Kano Rail

However, funding for the project completion has been a big issue hindering progress of the project, The former honourable minister of transportation Rotimi Amaechi said in a report by Dennis that “We are actually waiting for the Chinese to give us the loan we applied for and they kept delaying us, Will we wait for them forever? The answer is no”. also, the honourable minister of transportation Mu’azu Sambo, also reiterate that “The CCECC have not brought anything to the table. I gave them a deadline which is October 30. If I don’t get that money on ground, I know what to advise Mr President to do”.

There are some portions of the project that have been completed and operation have begun, but major part of the project hasn’t been completed due to inability of the funding partners to release fund for the continuation and completion of the project. This threatens the fulfilment of the promise made by President Buhari to complete the project before he leaves office. Therefore, this promise will be rated “Stalled”.

References:

Dennis Erezi. “Nigeria turns to Standard Chartered Bank for funding of rail projects”, The Guardian 3 February, 2022.

https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria-turns-to-standard-chartered-bank-for-funding-of-rail-projects/. Accessed 15 November, 2022.

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Ebunoluwa Olafusi. “Delayed funding: FG issues ultimatum to CCECC on rail projects”, The Cable 14 August, 2022. https://www.thecable.ng/delayed-funding-fg-issues-ultimatum-

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FG commissions Lagos-Ibadan rail line, Commences implementation of Lagos-Kano Rail lines

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Ahead of the general election in 2019, President Muhammadu Buhari made a promise to complete the Lagos-Ibadan-Kano railway in his Next Level Agenda.

The Lagos-Ibadan segment which was awarded in 2012 has finally begun operations and has been commissioned by the president, the railway began passenger-carrying trial operations on December 7, 2020. On 15May 2018, the Nigerian Minister of Transportation signed a $6.68 billion contract with the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation to complete the remaining segments of the Lagos–Kano Standard Gauge Railway. Construction is expected to take 2–3 years from the availability of funds.

The Minister of Transportation updated the National Economic Council on government interventions in rail infrastructure projects on Thursday, April 22nd, 2021.

Also, Governor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State briefed State House correspondents after a virtual NEC meeting which was presided by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Thursday, April 22nd, 2021 at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

“Council was informed on where the railway development was stalled in the 60s until 1986 when the Federal Government commenced the construction of 326-kilometre standard gauge, which is a 1435 metre rail line phase 1 from Itakpe in Ajeokuta to Warri.

“Furthermore, rail infrastructure development halted until the present administration of President Muhammadu Buhari came on board and brought to reality the rail modernization plan of the Federal Government of Nigeria by commencing the implementation of 1367km Lagos-Kano Rail lines, saidUmahi.

With the ongoing construction of the railway project,Nigerians are optimistic about the its effect on the country’s economy. In Africa, only South Africa has an extensive national rail network, in length,more than Nigeria. However, the sector has witnessed huge setback over the years with many of the country’s rail grounded since the railway corporation declared bankruptcy in 1988.

As part of the ongoing project, a 185.5km Lagos-Ibadan new double standard gauge rail lines was completed with the rail line connected toApapa port for easy movement of freight. While efforts are being put to reviving the operational efficiency of the mundane railway sector by the Buhari-led government with the completion of the Lagos-Ibadan section of the2,733 kilometre Lagos-Kano standard-gauge north-south railway, Nigerians will have to wait more to enjoy the benefits of the revitalization.

AdvoKC will continue to follow this project, we rate this promise In the Works.

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