As part of the initiative to Consolidate the ongoing railway modernization projects consistent with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Administration, the Minister of Transportation, Senator Said Ahmed Alkali has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on behalf of his ministry with Messrs British African Business Alliance (BABA), (U.K) Limited, to enable the Company carry out the design, construction, commissioning, operation and transfer of the Port Harcourt-Enugu-Calabar-Abuja standard gauge rail line on Public-Private Partnership basis.
The memorandum which is the first of its kind executed by the Minister in company of the permanent secretary, Director Rails, Director Legal and the management of the company has clearly demonstrates the present administration’s commitment to the provision of efficient transportation system under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“This development will enable the Company to concentrate in preparing relevant documents to support a request for approval of the Federal Executive Council to execute the project”, the Minister pointed out.
He however said the documents that are necessarily needed in furtherance of the initiative include: Comprehensive feasibility studies report, development of full business case study, environmental and social impact assessment, production of resettlement action plan and design of a financial model to execute the project as well as subsequent transfer to the federal government on PPP basis subject to 100 Percent funding with no loan or debt, for or against Nigerian government or any of it’s agency.
The minister assured the investors of the ministry’s support with a view to ensuring the successful execution of the project.
Senator Alkali also urged them to ensure diligent production and submission of all relevant documents that will facilitate the grant of the FEC’s approval.
Earlier speaking, the team leader, Mr. Andrew Jason assured their desire of developing a double track standard gauge railway from Port Harcourt-Abuja through the PPP platform of the federal government of Nigeria.
Umar Alkali Jibril, Special Assistant, Media and Publicity.
Office of the Hon. Minister of Transportation.