Minister of Transport, Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi, on Tuesday listed the importance of rail transport for Nigeria’s ailing economy, adding that previous administrations did not show the desired interest in the rail transport system.
The minister spoke at the commissioning of the dual-rail standard of Abuja-Kaduna rail transport system.
Amaechi noted that it took 10 years for the project to be completed, blaming previous administrations for not putting the needed efforts to see to its success.
He said, “Former president, Olusegun Obasanjo started the project, it was partially executed by the immediate past president, Goodluck Jonathan and completed by President Muhammadu Buhari.
“The parts that were inspected and commissioned by President Goodluck Jonathan, under the directives of President Buhari, the stations, signalling, communication and part of the drags were completed by President Buhari.”
“The locomotive and coaches arrived in May, and between June and July, we have commenced fire offs. We conveyed over 500 passengers per trip, twice a day for a Month.”
The Minister, however, thanked president Buhari, the Chinese experts and Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun for their immense support towards the completion of the project.
He further pointed out that the railway system will help to resuscitate the ailing economy, adding that Agricultural produce, housing accommodation will enjoy a major boost.
He added, “The rail transport system is meant to reduce the problem of housing as Nigerians who work in Abuja may now decide to live in Kaduna and shuttle Abuja.
“It will also aid in transporting Agricultural produce
“The Abuja-Kaduna road will now last longer as heavy cargoes will now be transported by rail,” he concluded.
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