Updated (video): New Lagos mega train station set for 2,000 passengers

More than two thousand passengers are expected to be accommodated at the Ebute Meta mega station of the Lagos -Ibadan rail line.

This indication emerged on Saturday when the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, led a team on a monthly inspection tour of the Lagos-Ibadan standard gauge railway project.

According to a video posted by the Nigerian Television Authority, the minister, who also inspected the extended rail line at Apapa Port, called for speedy completion of all the 10 stations along the new railway corridor.

Speaking generally on the whole project, he said, “Most of the things remaining are minor and it cannot delay the movement of goods. They have promised to finish by the end of the month. I believe them but I want them to reiterate that.”
The minister said although the contractor, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation had shown commitment to the project, much still needed to be done to achieve the target date of completion.

He also spoke on the next phase of the project, the Ibadan-Kano line, whose commencement he noted as dependent on disbursement of loan by the China EximBank.
“When we start the Ibadan-Kano rail, it will be a different ball game and we will ensure they keep to the plan.
“For Ibadan to Kano, everybody must go according to work plan in terms of payment, construction, inspection and everything,” he said.
The minister said the current pace of work could delay inauguration of the project which was slated for April.
He said, “If you look at the level of work, we cannot ask the President to commission this; but once we give the CCECC definite time, I know they will speed up.
“There are some minor things they still need to put in place but it’s taking them time to do that. Some of those things should not take more than a day or two; so I’m not so worried.”