The Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), alongside the Federal Ministry of Transportation and other key stakeholders, has commenced reconnaissance inspections of proposed sites for newly approved rail infrastructure projects across the country.
The initiative follows the Federal Executive Council’s (FEC) approval of $3 billion for three major rail developments in Lagos, Kano, and Kaduna States. The projects include the Lagos Green Line, the Kano Metro City Rail, and the Kaduna Light Rail system.
According to Armstrong Takang, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Ministry of Finance Incorporated, the inspection exercise is part of early-stage efforts to ensure smooth and coordinated implementation of the rail modernisation programme.
The first phase of the reconnaissance exercise began in Kaduna State, where officials engaged with stakeholders led by Governor Sen. Uba Sani. The discussions brought together representatives overseeing critical infrastructure sectors, including roads, water resources, power installations, and community development projects.
The engagements focused on aligning all relevant parties ahead of construction, with emphasis on preventing potential delays related to right-of-way issues, route alignment, infrastructure encroachment, resettlement concerns, and utility conflicts.
Officials noted that early coordination among stakeholders is essential to ensure efficient execution and to avoid disruptions during project implementation.
Takang expressed appreciation to the Kaduna State Government and other stakeholders for their cooperation, describing it as crucial to advancing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s rail modernisation agenda.
The inspection exercise is expected to continue across other project locations as part of efforts to accelerate delivery of the approved rail infrastructure projects nationwide.