FG Halts Inauguration Of Lagos-Ibadan Railway As 60 Workers Test Positive For Covid-19
PIC.16. DIESEL MULTIPLE UNIT PASSENGER INTRA-CITY MASS TRANSIT TRAIN INAUGURATED BY VICE PRESIDENT NAMADI SAMBO IN KADUNA ON TUESDAY (30/12/14). 6653/30/12/2014/SP/JAU/CH/NAN
The Federal Government on Tuesday halted the inauguration of the Lagos-Ibadan railway project, saying 60 of its workers tested positive for COVID-19.
Rotimi Amaechi, the Minister of Transportation, disclosed this in a statement in Abuja.
Amaechi clarified that the infected workers were on-site workers and not staff of the Ministry of Transportation.
“Luckily nobody has died and I pray nobody will die, but you see the kind of sacrifice everybody is making to get the rail to function,” he said.
He also mentioned that minor works on the project have been stopped also.
“The timeline for the inauguration will depend on COVID. If COVID stops today or reduces we will inaugurate the project,” the minister said.
He further affirmed that the ministry was already taking responsibility for the development.
“This is not for the NCDC, the PTF or government alone. By organising large gatherings indoors, you’re not only putting yourself and guests at risk but also the staff who have limited choice but to serve. By going to clubs, you’re putting your parents at risk,” he said.
The country has recorded over 100,000 confirmed cases and over 1,300 deaths in 11 months and Nigerians have been advised to adhere to all non-pharmaceutical measures to stop the spread.