LASG Backs NRC with Major Storm Drainage Project to Protect Rail Infrastructure 

The Lagos State Government (LASG) has thrown its weight behind the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) with the construction of the Carter–Railway Drainage Channel, a major stormwater project aimed at ending perennial flooding within the Ebute-Meta railway compound and adjoining communities.

The intervention was announced at a stakeholders’ meeting held at the NRC premises in Lagos, where state officials confirmed that a contract has been awarded for the construction of the Carter–Railway Channel (System 4) within Lagos Mainland Local Government Area.

The project involves a reinforced concrete drainage channel extending from Murtala Muhammed Way, Ebute-Meta, through the NRC corridor, and terminating at a confluence point in Iponri along Western Avenue. When completed, the channel is expected to safeguard critical rail assets and improve access and safety across the rail corridor.

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Briefing stakeholders, the Director of Drainage Services at the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, Engr. Adedapo Ajadi said the project would permanently resolve the flooding that has long disrupted railway operations and affected residents and institutions within the corridor. He added that construction would commence shortly and is projected to last about 18 months, noting that the completed infrastructure would become an asset of the Nigerian Railway Corporation.

Ajadi appealed to NRC management and corridor occupants to cooperate fully during construction to ensure the timely delivery of the project.

Stakeholders present included NRC officials and tenants such as St. Saviour’s School, CCECC quarters, NRC staff quarters, NTA Channel 10 compound, religious centres, NRC stations and locomotive yards, the Railway Museum, Federal Medical Centre (General Hospital and Cancer Hospital), OJez Limited, as well as manufacturing, industrial and MSME operators.

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Commending the initiative, NRC Managing Director, Dr Kayode Opeifa, assured LASG of the corporation’s full cooperation, describing the project, valued in billions of naira, as critical to protecting rail infrastructure and surrounding communities. He said the NRC and stakeholders would take ownership of the facility upon completion.

Representatives of affected institutions welcomed the development. Agatha Usman of St. Saviour’s School lamented years of flood damage and anxiety during the rainy season, saying the school was relieved that a permanent solution was finally in sight.

Mr Taiye Olaniyi of the Railway Museum praised the state government for addressing a long-standing challenge in the railway community, while the Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre, Dr Sam Oguine, said the channel would help preserve healthcare services on the Mainland.

The meeting concluded with a joint inspection of the corridor to assess the alignment and identify affected areas, led by directors from various NRC departments alongside representatives of the corporation’s in-house unions.