The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has announced major intervention by the Lagos State Government with the award of a contract for the construction of the Carter–Railway Drainage Channel aimed at permanently addressing flooding within the Ebute-Meta railway compound and neighbouring communities, including parts of Olaleye.
The development was disclosed at a stakeholders’ meeting held at the railway premises in Lagos, where officials of the Lagos State Government confirmed that the Carter–Railway Channel (System 4) project would be executed within the Lagos Mainland Local Government Area.
The drainage project entails the construction of a reinforced concrete channel stretching from Murtala Muhammed Way, Ebute-Meta, through the Nigerian Railway Corporation corridor, and terminating at a confluence point in Iponri along Western Avenue.
Speaking at the meeting, the Director of Drainage Services at the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, Engr. Adedapo Ajadi, stated that the project would provide a lasting solution to the persistent flooding that has affected the railway compound and adjoining communities over the years.
Stakeholders present at the meeting included representatives of the Nigerian Railway Corporation and various tenants such as St Saviour’s School, CCECC quarters, NRC staff quarters, NTA Channel 10 compound, religious institutions, NRC stations, locomotive yards, the Railway Museum, the Federal Medical Centre General Hospital, FMC Cancer Hospitals in Ebute-Meta, OJez Limited, as well as manufacturing, industrial and MSME operators.
Engr. Ajadi, who led a four-man delegation from the ministry, appealed to the NRC management to ensure full cooperation throughout the construction period, which is expected to last about 18 months. He noted that work would commence soon and that the completed infrastructure would become an asset of the Corporation.
In his remarks, the Managing Director of the NRC, Dr Kayode Opeifa, praised the Lagos State Government for the initiative and pledged the corporation’s full support to ensure the successful execution of the multi-billion-naira project. He assured that the NRC and other stakeholders would take ownership of the channel upon completion, describing it as critical to resolving flooding challenges in the area.
Stakeholders also welcomed the project, with representatives of St Saviour’s School, the Railway Museum and the Federal Medical Centre expressing relief over the prospect of a permanent solution to the recurring floods that have disrupted education, heritage preservation and healthcare services in the community.
Following the meeting, a joint inspection of the drainage corridor was conducted by NRC directors, union representatives and government officials to assess the project alignment and identify areas likely to be affected during construction.
