Lagos Ebute-metta Ibadan railway commences operation December -Ameachi

By Albert Akota Abuja

The Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi has said that commercial activities would soon commence at the Lagos Ebute-meta-Ibadan railway corridor following the pace of construction activities on going by CCECC.
Amaechi stated this while briefing newsmen, after the steering implementation committee meeting for the completion of the Lagos Ibadan rail line,at the Ebute-Metta railway yard in Lagos yesterday.
Amaechi, however, noted that some of the challenges being confronted in the process of construction include the relocation of oil and gas pipelines, located along railway corridor.
He assured, that the relocation process was on, and at least by December this year, commercial activities would begin on the Ebutte Metta to Ibadan rail corridor.
The Minister emphasised that Nigerians must be allowed to understudy properly the details of the construction work and running of the entire rail line, to take over activities from the Chinese in the near future.
Amaechi noted that employing only artisans and technicians on the field to handle some areas of the project is not acceptable but qualified engineers to understudy the CCECC.
He said providing support in the area of tactical training of Nigerians would further develop smooth relations.
“I have been to other countries, I seen foreign company engaged indigenous qualified engineers our can’t be exemption, thanks for reminding me, my next inspection will be on the site to see how many engineers the company employed.
“I want them to engage local engineers to understudying their work and take over when they leave, our qualified engineers must understudy their work not just artisans or technicians but qualified engineers,” he said.