FG, Ogun Set Up Committee To Forestall Illegal Structures At Railway Corridors

A Committee comprising officials of the Federal and Ogun State Governments has been set up, to engender a developmental plan for the Lagos/Ibadan railway corridors to forestall illegal activities, which may become future threat to commuters and rail services.

Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Tpl. Tunji Odunlami while speaking at the inauguration of the Committee in Lagos, said the move was in anticipation on the tendency for people to build slums or shanties along the corridors and rail stations located within the State.

Tpl. Odunlami said 5 out of 10 Train terminus along Lagos/Ibadan railway stations were domiciled in Ogun State, adding that there was need for the State to take proactive step towards preventing illegal development of structures.

The Commissioner solicited the cooperation of NRC to avert haphazard development along the corridors, so as to avoid vandalisation of public assets.

Contributing, his counterpart in the Ministry of Transportation, Engr. Gbenga Dairo, said official operation of the rail system had impacted greatly on the socio-economic activities of the State and assured of government’s support for the project to benefit the general public.

On his part, the Director of Operations, NRC, Mr. Niyi Alli, said the Corporation would ensure that necessary arrangements were in place for the smooth running of rail stations, pledging the Federal Government’s readiness to assist the State in actualising its dream.

Members of the Committee comprised of Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Engr. Rasak Ojetola, representative of the Ministry of Transportation, Engr. Olawale Shokunbi, Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Tpl. Sola Odukoya, NRC, Engr. Wahaab Amodu and Engr. Samsideen Balogun of the Federal Ministry of Transportation (FMoT).