.The Federal Government on Thursday said it has approved $5.3 billion for Ibadan to Kano standard gauge rail project.
It disclosed this through the Transport Minister, Rotimi Amaechi during the third Maritime Stakeholders Interactive Forum held in Lagos.
Amaechi promised to be more focus in his second term. He said that he aimed to focus on maritime security and the Single Window project.
He “There are two things I discussed with Mr. President. I told him that as a Transport Minister, I will be focusing on the maritime security and the Single Window project.
“I have assured the government that by the end of 2020, we should have the Single Window at our Maritime sector.
“Just yesterday, we got approval to complete the $5.3billion Ibadan to Kano rail project. We have also applied for funding to commence coastal rail for the Port-Harcourt to Warri segment.
“In my first term as Minister, I completely abandoned the maritime sector to the Heads of agencies.
“This term around, that won’t be happening again. I have instructed the Honourable Minister of Transportation for State to personally supervise the maritime agencies. On my part, I will just overseer what’s happening.
” Gbemisola Saraki will personally be in charge of all maritime agencies while I will be focusing on the Railway sector.”
Amaechi, however lamented the attitude of the Isreali firm that handle the maritime security. He said HSLI firm is too slow in their approach to the job.