The Enugu state government says it is ready to commence the building of a dual terminal for interstate and intrastate transportation at the Holy Ghost area of Enugu city.

The commissioner for transportation, Obi Ozor, disclosed this on Saturday in Enugu while briefing journalists on the demolition exercise which began on Friday at the busy Holy Ghost area.

He said the clearing of the area followed the agreement reached with the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) and the federal ministry of transportation over the land which belonged to the NRC.

“Today, you are standing in front of a proposed site for Enugu Central Station which is a dual terminal for interstate transportation and intrastate transportation.

“The land here is owned by NRC and leased to 29 tenants for an average of 10 years to 25 years.

“The state government has entered into agreement with the NRC and the Federal Ministry of Transportation to lease the land for the construction of the proposed terminal.’’

The commissioner said that before beginning the clearance, the state government, through the NRC, had paid compensations to deserving tenants in the area.

“Apart from the compensations, we also engaged all stakeholders since last year and we gave notices since October, 2023.’’

Mr Ozor said further that the timeline for the project was 12 months, adding that the project was the phase 1 of the planned state’s transportation infrastructure project.

“The terminal will commence before the end of the month and in 12 months, the government of Dr Peter Mbah will deliver this project for the benefit of seven million Enugu citizens.

“It is not only this, we are going to build another one in Garki, Abakpa Nike areas and Nsukka making them four under phase 1 of the transport infrastructure project, ” he said.

He said that the management of the project would be private sector driven, adding that transportation was a big business.

Mr Ozor said it was only a serious governor like Mbah that could take such a bold decision that had attracted commendations from citizens of the state.

The Holy Ghost area of Enugu had been noted for its notoriety because of various transport companies conveying passengers day and night to all parts of the country. 

(NAN)