Ogun state tracker: Ogun to commence construction of Agbara-Berger and other rail projects in January

by Usman Alabi

Ogun state governor, Ibikunle Amosun said on Monday that the state would commence the construction of a total of 195 kilometers of light rail projects in three different locations next year January

The governor said this at a rail conference organized by Planet Project and Transport of London.

“The first phase of the project will include a 57km Agbara-Berger, 54km Ofada-Sagamu, and 84km Abeokuta-Sagamu-Ijebu Ode rail projects, among others,” the governor said

Amosun noted that this would help reduce the daily pressure on the roads; he said the first phase of the light rail project would be completed in 2019. According to him, this would help Ogun State to explore strategic linkage with the economy of Lagos and the West African sub region. He further stated that the intercity project is aimed at meeting the housing deficit of the neighbouring Lagos State. He said, when completed, the light rail project would also spur the development of the state in agricultural sector.

“We are resolute to ensure that this light rail transit see the light of the day in Ogun State. This is among other things to complement the various high standard infrastructural amenities that are currently in use across the three senatorial districts of our state for the benefits of our people,”

Ogun State obviously is taking good advantage of her closeness to Lagos state. The governor was right when he said the project is aimed at reducing the housing deficit in Lagos, because that is exactly what would happen, we need to get to that point where people can leave in one part of Nigeria while working in another part. But this can only be possible with projects such as this. If we can have projects such as this, especially between the north and the south, the economic benefits cannot be over-estimated.

What do you think on this project, share your view with us.