President Jonathan approves N48bn Lagos to Calabar Rail Line

President Goodluck Jonathan has announced that the FG had signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the construction of a new railway line that will run from Lagos to Calabar and also extend to the Obudu Cattle Ranch. He made the announcement in Cross Rivers State on Tuesday:

“In 2002, the Federal Government formulated the backward integration policy for the cement industry to facilitate Nigeria’s drive in self-sufficiency for cement production. It should be noted that within a decade, there had been a phenomenal growth from two million metric tonnes per annum to 39.5 million metric tonnes per annum of installed capacity. 

“We are impressed that just five years after the first line in UniCem, we are gathered here again today for the second line, which will add 2.5 million metric tonnes per annum to the company’s capacity. This is ample growth of operational efficiency and the resilience of the management of UniCem."

Jonathan, who was represented by Vice- President Namadi Sambo, added that, “Indeed, I will like to state that very soon, the 550 megawatts station will be inaugurated. Also, on the railway line, I am also glad to inform you that the Memorandum of Understanding for the construction of a new railway line from Lagos to Calabar has been signed, and we hope that any moment from now, work will commence.