The Lagos-Ibadan standard train service has recorded 42,000 passengers in the month of June 2021 after inauguration.
The Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari had on June 10, 2021 inaugurated the train service for a full commercial operation after about a year of free test run.
Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi told Journalists in Ibadan, the Oyo State Capital after facilities inspection, that the figure would increase in the coming months as more people become aware of the train services between Lagos and Ibadan.
Amaechi explained that ”the recent kidnap of some Chinese officials in the Olodo area of Ogun State was the reason the train station was yet to be completed.”
According to him, ”most of the stations have been completed except for Olodo which is delayed due to a recent kidnap of some Chinese officials. The contractor has completed most of the communication and signalling work, but we need to observe the project for the next six months to be sure everything is working perfectly as planned.
“If not, we won’t be able to do the 16 trips-a-day train schedule as planned. The reason we are inspecting is to be sure everything is working as planned. After six months, when we are very sure of what we are seeing, then we can bring in new coaches and locomotives and increase the trips.”
Reacting to the breakdown of the Kaduna-Abuja train services, the Transport Minister attributed lack of maintenance as factor causing the incessant breakdown of the Kaduna-Abuja train services.
Amaechi assured the people that some spare parts, being expected for the Lagos-Ibadan trains would be used for the Kaduna-Abuja train locomotives when they arrive.
He said; “After the last breakdown of the Kaduna-Abuja train, I instructed the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to rest that particular locomotive. I am surprised that there was a delay related to another breakdown in the early hours of today.
“The issue with the break down of the Kaduna-Abuja train was due to lack of maintenance which is attributed to lack of spare parts from China. We have written to Mr President on this issue and he has graciously approved the purchase of spare parts for the Lagos-Ibadan trains. Very soon, the Chinese people will supply us with enough spare parts for the Lagos-Ibadan rail. By the time they do that, we will be forced to use some of these spare parts for the Kaduna-Abuja trains and hopefully, the issue of incessant breakdown of the trains will be resolved.”
