President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday was the Rigasa train station to inaugurate the new coaches and locomotives for the Kaduna-Abuja rail service.
The president restated his commitment to link all commercial and production centres in the country via rail to develop the economy and promote national integration.
He said the new rail system will support and ease transportation in the country and called for support from stakeholders especially from the National Assembly.
Earlier, the Transport Minister, Rotimi Amaechi, said about $40 billion will be required to complete rail and sea port projects set for execution in 2018.
The minister noted that sourcing for required funds have been a major challenge as talks are ongoing with likely funders to ensure successful project implementation assuring that the Lagos–Ibadan rail line would be completed this year.
Describing the project as such that has translated promises to reality, he noted that the two new standard gauge and 20 new executive passenger coaches will boost the aim of achieving an efficient rail system in the country.
“We have huge challenges we have to face but one assurance we will give Nigerians is that we will do everything possible to ensure we complete Lagos-Ibadan this year,” he said.
“We are negotiating with contractors and funders who will fund the project. If we are able to conclude the arrangements, taking into consideration Nigeria’s law, then, we will start both this year.
“That includes Port Harcourt to Maiduguri, Kano to Jibia, Abuja to Baru, the sea port in Bonny, sea port in Warri and so many other projects.
“That’s why I said we will need between $36 and $40 billion. Only God knows where we are going to get it from.”
The minister lauded President Buhari for his commitment to developing the sector and further pleaded for supports from the Finance Ministry.
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