Nigerian cabinet okays reconstruction of rail track in Niger State

The Federal Executive Council has approved a contract for the reconstruction of the narrow-gauge rail track from Minna to Baro in Niger State.

The Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Amaechi stated this on Wednesday while briefing the media after the Council’s meeting presided over by Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo.

“There will now be a rail line from Minna to join the narrow gauge so that when cargoes come to Baro they can then be evacuated through the narrow gauge,” Amaechi said.

The Minister said the approval followed the four memos the Ministry of Transportation presented at the meeting.

Amaechi said that Council also approved N2.8 billion contract for the clearing of equipment that the Ministry bought for the Deep Blue project.

He said; “The equipment will enable us to site some of these projects in the coastal towns along the Nigerian coast.”

The Minister disclosed that the contract was approved for the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA.

“The next one that was approved was the re-licensing of Oracle E-Business Suite in favour of Messrs Tenex Professional Services Ltd in the Sum of N955, 454, 141.33k. this is an NPA contract.”

He said there was also an approval for a variation contract for a 450ton capacity crane in the sum of about N214.131 million.

According to him, it is a variation of the initial contract of N3, 049, 544 for the purchase of one railway crane of 450 capacity for emergency recovery on standard gauge.

“In case we have an emergency and we need to recover any of the equipment, or if there is a crisis on the track you have to go with the crane,” Amaechi said. (VON)