FG to construct 5 fast train lines

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Wednesday approved consultancy services for feasibility studies of five Fast Train Lines across the country.
Briefing State House correspondents after the Council meeting presided over by Vice President Namadi Sambo, the Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, said the proposed New Standard Gauge Railway Lines will create total job opportunities for 51 Nigerian professionals and 115 non-professionals during execution.
The contract for the feasibility studies was in favour of various consultants in the sum of N1,334,405,366.74, with completion period of seven months.
The Fast Train Lines according to the Minister of Transport, Idris Umar are: Lagos-Osogbo-Abuja (615km), which could be covered within three hours with five stops; Lagos- Shagamu- Benin (300km); Ajaokuta- Obajana-Abuja (533km);
Zaria-Sokoto- Illela (520km) and Benin-Onitsha- Aba (500km).
Senator Umar said some private investors had already signified interest in the projects as soon as feasibility studies are completed.
“The idea is to partner with the private sector to develop the high speed train lines. There is going to be an international advertisement for investors to show interest. There is no question of fear that it’s going to be a white elephant project,” the minister said.
Also, sequel to a memo presented by the Minister of Works, Mike Onolememen, Council approved contract for the construction of Manyam-Ushongo-Lessel-Kartyo-Oju-Agila-Ongba, an inter-state road linking Benue state with its South Eastern state neighbours on the Enugu-Abakaliki road.
The proposed market is awarded in favour of Messrs Tilley Gyado & Co, in the sum of N1,035,824,120.10, with a completion period of 14 months. On completion, it will facilitate access to markets, hospitals, schools and generally restore agro economic and social activities within the host communities.
In the same vein, Council approved three infrastructural projects in two states of the region.
The projects, expected to create about 100 jobs are Kira-Dere-Mogho road in Rivers, land reclamation/Shore protection at Ogbeinana town in Delta and Umuada Layout road in Asaba, in the sum of N6,844,935,130.82, with a completion period ranging between 19-104 weeks.
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