President Buhari Commissions Locomotives and Coaches For Abuja-Kaduna Rail Service
Says Lagos to Ibadan, Itakpe to Warri to be completed this year
In his effort to enhance rail transportation system in the country, President Muhammadu Buhari has commissioned 10 new passengers coaches and two new locomotives trains for the Kaduna-Abuja train service.
Buhari also reiterated his administration’s resolve to vigorously pursue rail development in Nigeria through the implementation of the 25-Year Strategic Railway Master Plan.
The Prsident, while commissioning the trains on Thursday at the Rigasa train station in Kaduna; reechoed his commitment to link all commercial and production centres in the country via rail to develop the economy and promote national integration.
He said that the new rail system will support and ease transportation in the country and called for support from stakeholders especially from the National Assembly.
The Daily Times recalls that the President had in July, 2016 commissioned and flagged off Nigeria’s first ever Standard Gauge train service- Passenger and Freight in for Abuja-Kaduna.
With the launched of these new coaches and locomotives, trains are now scheduled to take off at the same time from both Kaduna and Abuja.
Buhari said that he was satisfied with the rail projects in across the country disclosed that the Lagos to Ibadan segment of the Lagos to Kano double track standard gauge rail line project is targeted to be completed by the end of the year.
“The Itakpe to Warri standard gauge central line is expected to be commissioned by July this year and the extension from Itakpe to Abuja is being pursued vigorously.
Additional critical projects which I am particularly keen to start include the Coastal Rail line (Lagos-Calabar) with branches to Benin, Agbor and Onitsha; Port Harcourt to Maiduguri Standard guage rail line with branches to Owerri, Awka, Abakaliki, Yola and Damaturu; and Kano – Kazaure – Daura – Katsina – Jibiya to link with Maradi in Niger Republic as part of regional railway interconnectivity in the ECOWAS sub-region.
Other supporting projects which have been approved are the procurement of more locomotives, coaches, wagons, workshops and equipment that will be used for new standard gauge lines.
By way of encouraging private sector participation in our rail development, negotiation for concession of the narrow gauge railways with a consortium led by General Electric is in progress. We are looking forward to a more efficient rail 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 private sector participation by strengthening our legal and regulatory frameworks. The necessary Bills namely, Nigeria Railway Authority and National Transport Commission are already before the National Assembly,” Buhari said.
The President further assured Nigerians that they were strongly committed to linking all major commercial and production centres as well as state capitals with railway systems as a way of bringing about rapid socio-economic development and improving the quality of life of the citizens and promoting national integration.
“This is not only a statement of intent but a benchmark which we are using to measure the performance of our administration. Our resolve to develop our rail system to a world class standard remains. To achieve this, I am using this opportunity to solicit the support of all relevant stakeholders especially the National Assembly and our development partners in realizing this objective,” he addd.
Buhari commended the minister of Transport saying, “I acknowledge the great efforts and hard work of the Minister of Transportation, Chief Rotimi Amaechi and his team for ensuring that we realize our objective of providing a functional and efficient rail system to Nigerians.”
Earlier, the Transport Minister, Rotimi Amaechi, said about $40 billion will be required to complete rail and sea port projects set for execution in 2018.
The Minister noted that sourcing for required funds have been a major challenge as talks are ongoing with likely funders to ensure successful project implementation assuring that the Lagos–Ibadan rail line would be completed this year.
Describing the project as such that has translated promises to reality, he noted that the two new standard gauge and 20 new executive passenger coaches will boost the aim of achieving an efficient rail system in the country.
“We have huge challenges we have to face but one assurance we will give Nigerians is that we will do everything possible to ensure we complete Lagos-Ibadan this year,” he said.
“We are negotiating with contractors and funders who will fund the project. If we are able to conclude the arrangements, taking into consideration Nigeria’s law, then, we will start both this year.
“That includes Port Harcourt to Maiduguri, Kano to Jibia, Abuja to Baru, the sea port in Bonny, sea port in Warri and so many other projects.
“That’s why I said we will need between $36 and $40 billion. Only God knows where we are going to get it from.”
The Minister lauded President Muhammadu Buhari for his commitment to developing the sector and further pleaded for supports from the Finance Ministry.
