Starting from Monday, the train operated on the narrow gauge from Ijoko in Ogun State to Ebute Metta and Apapa, in Lagos State will be suspended.
The suspension will last six weeks.
This is to allow the Nigerian Railway Corporation, NRC, to fast track completion of the new standard gauge within the deadline set by Federal Government.
Recall that the Minister of Transportation, Mr Rotimi Amaechi, had on Monday announced November 2019 as deadline for completion of the project and commencement of Lagos – Ibadan standard gauge rail service.
Mr Jerry Oche, NRC Lagos District Manager, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigerian, NAN, on Friday said that commercial activities on narrow gauge line would be shutdown to expedite work on the standard gauge so as to meet the November deadline.
“We are shutting down our daily operations from Ijoko, Agbado, Agege Ikeja up to Ebute Metta and Apapa from Monday September 30 to November 16.
“The development is going to last for six weeks to give room for contractor handling the Lagos-Ibadan Standard gauge to meet up with the deadline scheduled for delivery,” he said.
Amaechi had, while inspecting the project in company of his deputy, Ms Gbemi Saraki, on Monday said that Federal Government planned to begin free train ride on Lagos-Ibadan Standard Gauge rail line by November.
