President Muhammadu Buhari has on Thursday, called on the support of members of the National Assembly and stakeholders in his resolve to reposition the railway system in the country.
Buhari, who made this appeal during the commissioning of the new train coaches at the Rigasa Train Station, in Kaduna, restated the resolve of the Federal government to upgrade the Nigerian railway system to world class standard.
The President said the resolve is not only a statement of intentions, but a benchmark which “we are using to measure the performance of our administration” and therefore, solicited for the support of all relevant stakeholders, especially the National Assembly and development partners to realise the objectives.
According to him, “Let me recall that I commissioned and flagged off the Abuja-Kaduna train service in July last year, which was Nigeria’s first ever outstanding train service.
“I am glad that this service has become very useful to commuters and has even become the preferred form of transport for the commuters for the journey between Abuja and Kaduna.
“You may want to recall that during the commissioning in 2016, I restated our resolve to rigorously pursue development in Nigeria through the implementation of the 25 year strategic Railway Master Plan.
“Other important projects which have been approved is the procurement of more locomotives, coaches, workshops and equipment that will be used for new standard gauge lines by way of encouraging private sector participation in our railway development.
“Negotiations for concession of the narrow gauge railways with a consortium, is in progress. We are looking forward to a more efficient train service on the narrow gauge lines to be driven by the private sector.
“It is on the basis of this, that we are creating a more conducive environment for the private sector, especially by strengthening our legal and regular trade frameworks.
“Let me once again reassure Nigerians that we are strongly committed to linking all major commercial and production centers as well as state capitals with railway system, as a way of bringing about rapid socio economic development and improving the lives of our people as well as encourage national integration.”
Meanwhile, a female journalist with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) was brutalized by security operatives at the venue of commissioning of the Kaduna Dry Port.
The journalist, Taye Elebiyo Edeni, a Transport Correspondent accredited from Abuja to cover the commissioning of the rail project was said to have been brutalized by policemen whereby, she sustained injuries.
The unfortunate incident happened at the main venue of the commissioning of the Dry Port, Down Quarters, Kakuri, ahead of the arrival of President Muhammadu Buhari and his entourage.
The attack on journalists was heightened after security denied them access to the main venue despite having their accreditation tags.
The post Buhari To Upgrade Nigerian Railway System To World Class Standard appeared first on Independent Nigeria.
Buhari To Upgrade Nigerian Railway System To World Class Standard
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