Contract For Calabar – Lagos Rail Has Been Signed – Usani, Niger Delta Minister

By CrossRiverWatch Admin

The federal government has approved and signed off the contract for the Calabar – Lagos railway line says Usani Usani, the Minister for Niger Delta Affairs.

The railway line had generated so much controversy earlier in the year over its budget with conflicting views from the Executive and National Assembly over its inclusion in the 2016 Appropriation Law.

Usani disclosed this Friday in Calabar when he paid Cross River Governor, Senator Ben Ayade a courtesy call in his office as part of his itinerary for a retreat organised by the Ministry and holding in the state.

Usani who said that the railway line will improve the lots of the Niger Delta region also disclosed that the design for the dualization of the Calabar – Itu – Ikot Ekpene road and the Calabar – Ikom highway is at the advanced stage with construction work set to begin shortly after that.

He urged Cross Riverians to be patient with the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration pointing out that it may take some time for things to be sorted out “For the good of Nigerians.”

“‘We are here to ensure the state government is aware of what the ministry is doing because revelations have shown that most states in the region don’t know what the ministry is doing in their states which would have helped them focus on other areas of development. The emphasis of the present government is to complete all existing projects to prevent wastage which is the reason the government has not initiated new projects” Usani said

The governor represented by his deputy, Professor Ivara Esu in his remarks welcomed Usani and lauded him for having the development of the state and the Niger Delta region at heart.

Esu said he knows Usani is capable of delivering on the job having performed in the state as a Special Adviser and Commissioner in past administrations.