Investigations by the Nigerian Tribune indicate that the planned N2.6 trillion Lagos-Calabar Coastal road project might overshadow critical railway projects worth approximately N16 trillion. These railway initiatives, introduced in the 25-year railway roadmap during the tenure of former president Olusegun Obasanjo, are set to expire in 2025.
The affected projects include the Ibadan-Kano Standard Gauge Railway ($5.3 billion), the $11.17 billion Lagos-Calabar coastal railway project, the $3.02 billion Eastern Line rehabilitation (Port Harcourt-Maiduguri), and the $1.9 billion Kano-Maradi Railway project.
Insights from the Nigerian Tribune reveal that the approval of the N2.6 trillion Lagos-Calabar Coastal road by the Federal Government may have disregarded the prior plans for the $11.17 billion Lagos-Calabar Coastal railway. Concerns are raised regarding the priorities of the current administration led by President Bola Tinubu, indicating a lack of emphasis on fresh railway development.
A source close to the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) expressed dismay over the allocation of funds towards the coastal road project, highlighting the economic benefits of prioritizing railway connectivity for national development. The source emphasized the need for continuity in infrastructure projects, lamenting the trend of abandoning established plans with each new administration.
Despite the approval of the $11.17 billion Lagos-Calabar coastal railway project by the Federal Executive Council in 2021, subsequent progress has been limited. The delay in implementing crucial railway projects raises concerns about missed opportunities for economic growth and efficient transportation.
Efforts to obtain comments from the Ministry of Transport regarding the status of railway development were unsuccessful, citing the absence of the Minister of Transportation from the country.
Meanwhile, affected property owners along the route of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road project are advocating for fair compensation before the commencement of demolition activities. Calls for adequate compensation reflect the concerns of individuals whose properties are marked for demolition to make way for the road construction.
In response to these concerns, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, announced the commencement of compensation payments for affected properties, with demolition activities scheduled to follow. Umahi assured affected individuals of the government’s commitment to fair compensation, emphasizing the importance of advancing infrastructure projects while addressing the needs of affected communities.
