How Jonathan, Buhari contributed to Abuja-Kaduna rail project — Amaechi explains



The Minister of Aviation, Rotimi Amaechi, used his speech at the commissioning ceremony of the Abuja-Kaduna axis of Lagos-Kano Railway to itemise the contributions made by successive governments to the completion of the project.

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday declared the standard gauge rail line open for commercial use at a well-attended ceremony.



But critics, especially supporters of former President Goodluck Jonathan, said Mr. Buhari and Mr. Amaechi failed to recognise the input of Mr. Jonathan to the project.

Some supporters said Mr. Jonathan “virtually completed” the project before leaving office in May 2015.

But a copy of Mr. Amaechi’s speech showed that Mr. Jonathan’s contribution to the project was acknowledged.

“Today, as we gather here, we recall that the contract for Lagos-Kano railways was awarded by President Olusegun Obasanjo, partially executed by President Goodluck Jonathan and completed by President Muhammadu Buhari.”

“The tracks were commissioned by President Jonathan. Under the directives of President Buhari, the stations, signalling, the communications and part of the tracks was completed by this administration,” Mr. Amaechi said.

“The locomotive and coaches arrived in May, and between June and July, we had commenced the trial runs. We conveyed over 500 passengers per trip, twice a day for a month and two weeks free of charge.”


Other contributors acknowledged by Mr. Amaechi in his speech also included the Minister of Finance and China’s Export-Import Bank, which financed the project through counterpart funding between Nigerian government and a Chinese construction firm.

“Let me express my gratitude to the Ministry of Transportation and the Chinese government and the China Nexim Bank for their financial support. The same gratitude goes to my colleague, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, for discharging her responsibility as directed by Mr. President.

“Most importantly, it is the priority attached to transportation by the President, of which we are very grateful. We are also grateful to the contractor CCECC for keeping fate and doing a good job,” Mr. Amaechi said.

Mr. Amaechi also used the speech to acquaint Nigerians the benefits of the new rail corridor, saying commercial agriculture would receive a significant boost.

“Mr. President, as we invite you to officially flag-off commercial activities on the Idu-Kaduna segment of the Lagos-Kano railways, we remind Nigerians that the change agenda here impacts on housing as the poor are able to live in their houses in Kaduna and come to work in Abuja.

“At the same time, it impacts on agriculture and economy as agricultural produce are conveyed from Kaduna to Abuja at much cheaper rates.
Transportation is also provided to Nigerians who live between Kano and Abuja at a cheaper rate. I hope that when the Kaduna-Abuja Road is maintained, it will last longer as heavy cargo is now conveyed by rail.”
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  1. All those who are part and parcel of this project from initiation to completion, we commend you all. This is what we want in this country. Please come up with another such project and see that it is completed on record time.

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  2. What is the extent of involvement (In monetary terms), of Buhari administration in the completion of the rail project admittedly initiated by Jonathan I still stand with my belief that APC administration is the worst thing ever happen to Nigeria...From which budget was the fund utilized to complete the project appropriated...? The earlier APC stops propaganda and deception, the better for Nigeria...Well,as events are unfolding...

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    1. Get wise. It's not about Jonathan or Buhari, PPD or APC but about Nigeria. Grow up man.

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    2. Fred.
      Some people will never get it. They are too ignorant , too tribalistic and too corrupt to get it! It is just unfortunate especially for the future of this country.
      Look at developed countries today- Parties come and go, people from different tribes get to power on and off, but development remains a continuous activity. ... Buy these people here still can't get it...even when they are personally suffering from the result of this same madness of ethnicity and tribalism. It's just a shame.

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  3. Whether it's whoever does it FINE. all we want is completion and perfect service that's all thanks to you minister

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  4. Thanks to this govt for the completion, we know Jona govt did more than 80% and trying to deny him of the credit is childish and makes this govt deceptive.

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  5. Ameachi history will expose you for what you are. Your legacy will be a source of embarrassment to those who knew you. Selfishness and greed with lust for power and money coupled with betrayal of your people is a burden you are making for yourself.

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  6. One funny thing about Nigeria politics is they always use everything as a propaganda tool. I have never seen rail project started and completed within one year. Advance countries follows continuation or follow up in terms of infrastructural projects. By this I mean, if a project like this is commissioned. Successive government does its part to continue with the project till it's delivered. In Nigeria APC will like to claim that they completed it after the funds allocated to carry out the project was stolen by PDP. Remember, this is the party that claimed that they met empty treasury in Federal Bank Account.
    By and large the good thing is the project is completed for poor masses. I pray they will maintain it for very long time. Kudos to all administrations that made this a reality.

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  7. Government is continuity. PDP or APC we need an improved standard of living. That is the work of government.

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  8. Good address from the minister.Lagos to Kanu, Abuja to Kaduna, what about Portharcourt to Kaduna and in between stations.

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  9. Who cares about who did it. What matters is that it is done. Jezzz some Nigerians are too petty. Kai no wonder Fayose and co can win elections here

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  10. We are grateful to the Government for the completion of the project.
    Please may your attention be drawn to the execution of second Niger bridge. I suggest your ministry embark on nationwide tour of federal roads and see for yourselves the dilapidated state of the roads.

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