By Our Reporter 7 hours 57 minutes ago

bUILDING new roads in the Centre of Excellence without complementing them with the rehabilitation and maintenance of an efficient rail network is like throwing money into the ocean, Governor Babatunde Fashola said yesterday.
He made the remark while hosting the Minister of Transport, Senator Idris Umar, who led an entourage to the state to inspect the agencies under his ministry.
Fashola told his guests at the Lagos House, Ikeja that the roads across the country were never designed for the kind of tonnage of goods they accommodate daily, especially from the ports.
“That explains the sorry state of the Apapa -Oshodi Expressway, which also serves five industrial estates namely. Apapa, Amuwo- Odofin, Isolo, Matori and Ilupeju. Non- industrialists are also making use of the roads importing rice, milk and so many other goods that hit the market’’, he added.
He explained that with the best of efforts in building a road, the road is back in a state of disrepair, stressing that until the country gets the very heavy tonnage off the roads either intercity or intracity, Nigeria will simply be chasing shadows.
Fashola said: “The people of Lagos will support you to do the right thing to resuscitate the rail network so that petroleum cargo can pass through the rail system. Go to Apapa today, the rail tracks are still there. It is how to re-establish network that remains the challenge.”
According to him, the step will eliminate tanker accidents and making life unbearable as well as containers falling off and endangering other road users.
“We hope you will find the resources, energy and team with the same commitment that you have shown to deliver this rail network in the shortest possible time. No road will last without a supporting rail network’’.
The Governor also welcomed the understanding shown by the minister for a change in ethos and philosophy that host communities should benefit from facilities like airports and seaports that clearly impacts on infrastructure.
The minister said be was excited by the level of cooperation between the state and the agencies and parastatals of the ministry in Lagos. He acknowledged a few challenges in the operation of the ports which had to do with administration, the security and a few other things.
“I believe that with further interaction and interface, we will resolve all contending issues particularly as it affects the railways and to some extent maritime Ports Authority, National Maritime Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Shippers Council’’.
“It is really out of sense that for a government which is hosting very serious critical infrastructure and agencies like the Ports and such a government is not benefitting. I think it is a bit absurd and I want to assure you that we will look at the possibility of meandering through the various legislations, to look at ways to best assist Lagos to have some share of benefits’’.

http://www.thenationonlineng.net/2011/index.php/news-update/14756-fashola-makes-case-for-efficient-rail-network.html

Homie is 100% right

That's it, having a functional railway system will be benefial in many ways.
Economically, employment will be created for people as most people will be adequately employ directly or indirectly, Socially, the stress on infrastructure in lagos will be reduce as people can be living in Ibadan, Abeokuta and still be working in lagos. thereby leading to the development of such area. but will the Dangotes and co. allow that?

olawalebab:

That's it, having a functional railway system will be benefial in many ways.
Economically, employment will be created for people as most people will be adequately employ directly or indirectly, Socially, the stress on infrastructure in lagos will be reduce as people can be living in Ibadan, Abeokuta and still be working in lagos.

This is why I am so obsessed with rail personally. Best way to develop the rural parts of the country rapidly. No reason not to be able to live in say Ado-Ekiti and work in Lagos (as my Governor Fayemi has said he envisions one day happening.)

we will get there someday. amen! Industrialization efficient rail network and the autobahn. these are the thing that made Germany great.

Arosa:

we will get there someday. amen! Industrialization efficient rail network and the autobahn. these are the thing that made Germany great.

but we need to start and act fast, as we aspire to be among the best by 2020

olawalebab:

but we need to start and act fast, as we aspire to be among the best by 2020

True my brother, the question is what are our so called leaders waiting for. If there are no money for infrastructural development then they should borrow, not doing anything is stupid.

I agree!

A good railway system, efficient inland water ways system, better utilisation of PH, Calabar port, and Onitsha port, and standardisation of all international airports (old and news) is the most comprehensive way of decongesting Lagos road, and Lagos itself!

PointB that is correct, let them start with the rails.