Senate gives Amaechi deadline of 2019 to fix rail transporation

The Nigerian Senate ask transport minister Rotimi Amaechi to ensure standard gauge rail lines are fixed by 2019

Senator Gbenga Ashafa spoke for the upper chamber as chairman of its committee on transportation

Ashafa also called for a synergy between the transport ministry and the committee for a quick passage of its budget

The chairman of the Senate committee on land transport, Gbenga Ashafa, has asked Rotimi Amaechi of the transport ministry to ensure delivery of standard gauge rail lines as well as other vital infrastructure to Nigerians before 2019.

A statement by the Senate said Ashafa made the call on Monday while chairing the budget defence session organised by the committee in respect of ministry.

“I call on the honourable minister to remain conscious of the fact that the 2018 appropriation cycle is the most important in the life of this administration.

“It is on its back that we expect most of the projects that have been commenced since 2015 to be delivered to the teeming population of Nigerians who voted the Buhari administration into government.

“We must therefore hit the ground running to ensure the delivery of as many critical infrastructure needed to ease the transportation of all Nigerians across the country as soon as possible,” the statement said.

Amaechi had told the committee the plan was to complete the Lagos-Kano standard gauge by the end of 2018, but that the company has stated that due to several technical works to be done, it will most likely be by the first quarter of 2019.

The statement quoted Ashafa as calling for synergy between the committee and the ministry to ensure a speedy passage of the 2018 budget, in line with the sense of urgency demonstrated by the early submission of the 2018 budget estimates.

“This meeting makes it the second time that our committee would meet with the honourable minister and his team in respect of budget defence in 2017.

“This is due to no other reason but the government’s commitment towards ensuring an early passage of the 2018 appropriation bill into law.

“What this translates to clearly is that there is a renewed sense of urgency in governance and we cannot afford to slow down this process in any way.

“I would therefore like to begin by imploring all parties to avoid any actions that would delay the appropriation process in any way,” he said.

It was earlier reported that as part of its efforts to stimulate economic growth and create abundant employment opportunities in the country, the Nigerian Senate will hold a special public hearing on youth job creation and entrepreneurship today, Monday, December 11.

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