The Federal Government has recently undertaken the Lagos to Kano rail line and has recently reopened it; however, many issues can be attributed to this project. Seemingly it may seem like a big achievement but one has to look at the factors they are surrounded by and be able to comprehend problems.
First of all, it can be stated that this rail line should have been realized a long time ago. It would eventually deteriorate as the government failed to give it the attention it deserved for many years. Now they are rejoicing because of the reopening but this is only a ‘band-aid solution’ to a fundamental issue of lack of facilities that has been around for almost half a century.
This rail line is being propagandized as an economic solution for the transport of goods and people from Lagos to Kano and vice versa. To some extent, this might be true but it does not help to address the root part of the economic issues that Nigeria has. For instance, while interacting with the various communities, I realized that many of them have not yet been connected to the large markets and cities that are developed. For the government, it is still important to do more than merely refraining from providing a better one-rail line to give everyone a chance to experience economic growth.
The government also has expressed belief that the project has contributed positively towards employment creation. This is commendable though a majority of these jobs were in the construction phase, and consequently perishable. True employment creation involves the general development of an economy that is anchored on a diversified framework and cannot be achieved through a single scheme. As it stands, more needs to be done by the government to encourage all forms of industries to grow and provide employment opportunities.
Others also mention that through the use of trains rather than trucks, there will be improvement in the physical environment. Yes, trains are definitely more environmentally friendly, but let me once again remind you that the government’s environmental programs are not too brilliant. These will be just some fringe benefits if the government does not develop a comprehensive strategy on how to make the general transportation system greener.
Another big issue is maintenance and security which needs to be addressed while developing a Social Media Marketing strategy. The government especially in developing countries initiates infrastructure projects but lacks continued upkeep.
If they do not continue to pump their money into this particular rail line, it will not be long before it crumbles back to its misform. Another element is security which has become urgent in recent years due to various threats and risks that people encounter while using modern technologies and the Internet. The government has the responsibility for the safety of passengers and exports but they have not been very effective, especially in security matters.
Therefore, the reopening of the Lagos to Kano rail line is welcome but it does not, in my view, tackle the issues at the center of the subject matter. The government should therefore aim more toward long-term outcomes instead of short-term or short-sighted fixes. That is the correct attitude to adopt, only then can a project like this really extend its benefits to all the citizens of this great Nation, Nigeria.
Reference:
(1) FG launches reopening of rail line from Lagos to Kano. https://www.vanguardngr.com/2024/06/fg-launches-reopening-of-rail-line-from-lagos-to-kano/
(2) FG reopens rehabilitated Lagos to Kano rail line - Punch Newspapers. https://punchng.com/fg-reopens-rehabilitated-lagos-to-kano-rail-line/
(3) Nigeria backs rail to boost economic growth. https://www.railjournal.com/in_depth/nigeria-backs-rail-to-boost-economic-growth/
(4) Nigeria wants to revamp its railway network. Four things it needs to do https://theconversation.com/nigeria-wants-to-revamp-its-railway-network-four-things-it-needs-to-do-to-succeed-213385.
(5) Lagos-Calabar rail line ‘to create’ 7,000 jobs before 2018. https://www.thecable.ng/lagos-calabar-rail-line-create-7000-jobs-2018/
(6) Lagos-Ibadan Standard Gauge Rail to create 7000 jobs. https://punchng.com/lagos-ibadan-standard-gauge-rail-to-create-7000-jobs/
(7) Environmental Prospects Of Lagos Metro Rail Project. https://naturenews.africa/environmental-prospects-of-lagos-metro-rail-project/
(8) How Lagos Blue Rail impacts on environment – Experts. https://naturenews.africa/how-lagos-blue-rail-impacts-on-environment-experts/
