Railway: Link Itakpe to Abuja – NRC MD urges FG

The Managing Director, Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Mr Fidet Okhiria, has urged the Federal Government to link the Itakpe corridor to Abuja to speed up development in the country.

Okhiria made the call in Lagos when the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lagos State Council, led by the Chairman, Mr Adeleye Ajayi paid him a courtesy visit.

He explained that linking the Itakpe corridor directly to Abuja would help the country cover up about 75 per cent of the entire country in rail transportation.

According to him, this move is necessary to fast-track development across regions in Nigeria.

“I wish to reveal that there have been great developments, especially in states where we are very visible. Ibadan, for example, is springing up development in areas that are closer to the rail station, while Lagos is fast becoming a tourism site.”

The MD reiterated the commitment of the corporation to scaling up the level of work done in different corridors across the country.

He noted that there had been a decline in the level of vandalism across the country’s rail lines, as operations had fully begun in most of the stations.

Okhiria disclosed that security surveillance around the rail coaches would be scaled up for effectiveness and efficiency.

He commended the media for being a partner in progress in promoting the operations of the NRC.

“Nigerian Railway Corporation has received the attention it deserves through the media, and we are grateful for this,” he said.

The MD admitted that Nigeria stood a better chance to grow and develop if all hands were on deck.

“Against this backdrop, state governments of Borno, Kaduna, Plateau and Ogun are already partnering with the NRC to build an efficient railway system in their respective states,” he revealed.

Earlier, Ajayi, commended Okhiria for repositioning the NRC, saying that Nigerians were aware of the giant stride made by the MD in the corporation.

He added that it was a testament to his background and wealth of experience, having worked in all seven districts of the NRC.

“As a member of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, Institute of Management, Vanguard Society of Engineers, among others, one cannot expect less from a professional like you who has a track record of success,” he said.

He also commended the corporation for the professionalism it displayed in executing the directive of President Bola Tinubu over the 100 per cent discount on train trips for Nigerians who travelled to celebrate Christmas and New Year with their families.

He applauded the selfless service of the NRC to the nation as no fewer than 163,000 Nigerians benefited from the exercise via the three routes being serviced by the corporation which included Lagos– Ibadan, Warri – Itakpe and Abuja– Kaduna.

“We are equally delighted to hear about the corporation’s plans to boost cargo movement across the nation as moves are underway to enhance rail links between Lagos, Kaduna and Kano.

“No doubt, the completion and operationalisation of these rail corridors, especially Lagos to Kano will facilitate optimal use of the Dala Inland Dry Port for movement of cargoes by rail from Lagos to Kano.

“It is believed that this initiative will reduce the cost of doing business, reduce the menace of road traffic accidents, and boost the GDP of our country,” he said

Ajayi later presented an Award of Excellence for outstanding performance as the Managing Director of Nigerian Railway Corporation to Okhiria, on behalf of the Lagos NUJ.

He said the award was long overdue, stressing that the Lagos Council of the NUJ would continue to promote the activities of the corporation around the clock.

He also solicited partnership with the NRC, particularly in the area of capacity building for journalists covering transport beat.