BY Busola Aro
The federal executive council (FEC) has approved the installation of scanners worth N495 million in all railway stations across the country.
Ademola Adegoroye, minister of state for transportation, disclosed this to state house correspondents on Wednesday after the FEC meeting, presided over by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo.
Adegoroye said the ministry presented two memos to the council, which were approved.
He said while one memo was on scanners at railways, the other was on towage services at seaports.
The minister said the installation of scanners would strengthen security at railway stations.
“You will all agree with me that in view of the importance of security of lives and property, such equipment has to be installed at our railway stations,” Adegoroye said.
“We are starting the railways’ revolution; we are trying to put in place a lot of things in the railways; we don’t want people to come and damage all that the government has been trying to put in place in that sector.
“So, today, there was a memo before the council for the provision of baggage scanners at railway stations and I am happy to inform you that the council agreed with us and approved that contract for scanners to be installed at railway stations.
“When people get there and they have goods, they can pass through the scanners and we can be sure that there is nothing that can cause violence or inflict danger or put lives and property at stake.”
Speaking on the towage services, Adegoroye said the project was for the Lekki deep seaport recently inaugurated by President Muhammadu Buhari.
According to Adegoroye, the council agreed to give a 10-year concession to the company, Messrs Alcuff, to carry out towage services at the Lekki deep seaport and the Dangote jetty.
“So, because of the new Lekki deep seaport and the Dangote jetty, the need has arisen for a company that can carry out towage services so as to make things a lot easier and more effortless in the ports,” the minister explained.
“Ship berthing will be easier; discharge of goods will be a lot easier; of course, there was the argument that why would the company that provides such services at Apapa port and Lagos TinCan Island port not do it.
“We think that it will overstretch that company and because it would overstretch them, they will not be able to cope; they may not have the capacity to cope.
“Secondly, we want the Lekki deep seaport and the Dangote jetty to be able to perform maximally.”
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