ABEOKUTA, Federal Republic of Nigeria. Ogun State government, Monday [April 27, 2015] signed a $3.2 billion light rail project contract with Chinese Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC) for the intracity and intercity rail network in the state.
The state governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, while signing the contract at his office in Abeokuta, said that the project would cover cities such as Abeokuta, Sagamu, Ijebu Ode, Idi-iroko among others.
According to Amosun, when completed, the project will take pressures off the roads as well as open up the cities for further development.
The Governor said that within the next three years, the Abeokuta intracity project would have taken shape.
He added that the contractors would be encouraged to ensure that feasible development of the project is witnessed by the time Ogun State celebrates its 40th anniversary next year.
The project which has two phases will be having one aspect cutting across the entire cities in the state, while the other phase will be for the Abeokuta intra city light rail. Governor Amosun however assured that all ongoing roads and bridge projects in the state would be completed with the laying of the final asphalt, before the commencement of new projects.
While giving insight to the scope of the project noted that at first instance the intracity rail network that would commence from Abeokuta-sagamu-Ilaro-Ota and Idiroko would be the priority of the State in the next 2-3 years while the intercity network to Lagos and other neighbouring states which may stretch to about 8 years would follow.
Chairman CCECC, Mr. Cao Bao Gang said the company was fully ready to work with the Ogun Government noting that they more motivated to do the job because the Governor was focused and determined to make life better for the people.
Gang said the intra city Rail network was achievable within three years and the company would also help the state to raise fund for the project.
Credit: Vanguard (Nigeria)
