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Tag: Railway

  • Nigerian Railway Corporation appoints, redeploys district managers

    Nigerian Railway Corporation appoints, redeploys district managers

    The management of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has approved the appointment, redeployment and retention of some of its district managers and senior officers.

    The Managing Director of NRC, Dr Kayode Opeifa, made this known via a memo made available to newsmen on Thursday in Lagos.

    Opeifa said that the appointments and redeployments took effect from Sept. 1.

    He added that the management created three new offices –  Business Process and Efficiency and Due Diligence Desk, Customer Service Desk, and Corporation’s Statistician Office.

    He said that the exercise was part of NRC reforms aimed at strengthening operational efficiency, business processes, accountability and service delivery.

    Opeifa said that Mrs Nneka Ikwuka, who had served as Railway District Manager (RDM), Western District, Ibadan, was redeployed to NRC Headquarters as Coordinator for Freight Services, Lagos–Kano (Narrow Gauge).

    “Naomi Itajobi, previously Assistant Director of Procurement, has now been appointed as RDM for the Western District, Ibadan.

    “Similarly, Mr Suleiman Obafunsho, who was RDM for the North West, Minna, has been redeployed to  the headquarters as Project Coordinator, Lagos–Kano Narrow Gauge Rehabilitation, while Mr Ilesanmi Ayokunle, Assistant Director of Track, takes over as RDM, Minna.

    “In the Eastern District, Mr Victor Adanu has been redeployed from his role as RDM, Enugu, to the headquarters as Assistant Director, Train Monitoring and Control, with Mr Agwonye Francis Ejike, Chief Accountant, appointed as the new RDM for the district,” he said.

    The NRC boss said at Lagos District, Mr Augustine Arisa had been appointed  the Coordinator, Locomotive Services and Maintenance, while Mr Rasheed Adewale Adedeji, former RDM Northern District, Zaria, had been redeployed to serve as RDM, Lagos District.

    He said that there were more redeployments and appointments across its districts and corridors.

    Opeifa emphasised that the exercise was part of NRC’s reforms to reposition the corporation for improved service delivery across its standard and narrow-gauge operations.

  • Kaduna-Kano rail to be completed in 2025 – Minister

    Kaduna-Kano rail to be completed in 2025 – Minister

    The Minister of Transportation, Saidu Alkali, says the Northern region is among the biggest beneficiaries of President Bola Tinubu’s infrastructure drive under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    Speaking at the Government-citizens’ Engagement Interactive Session organised by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation in Kaduna on Wednesday, the minister said Tinubu’s administration had revived and accelerated multiple road and rail projects across the North.

    Alkali disclosed that the Kaduna to Kano standard gauge rail project, which was just 15 per cent completed when the current administration came in, has now reached 53 percent and is expected to be completed in 2026.

    According to him, the Kano to Maradi rail line had also seen massive progress, moving from five per cent to 61 per cent completion, with sections of the Port Harcourt to Maiduguri narrow gauge rail corridor also underway.

    He said the Sokoto to Badagry Superhighway, a 1,068km stretch linking Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun, and Lagos States, was one of the signature projects under Tinubu’s push for national connectivity and economic integration.

    “The North is not left out. In fact, it is reaping big from this government’s infrastructure revolution. From roads and rail to inland ports and power, the evidence is on ground,” Alkali said.

    The minister credited Tinubu’s personal intervention with Chinese authorities for unlocking stalled funding and enabling work to resume on key projects that had faced delays.

    He stated that the Ministry had also begun the rehabilitation of the Lagos to Kano narrow gauge line to support freight movement and bring the inland dry ports into full use, particularly in Kano and Kaduna.

    Alkali listed several ongoing works in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), including new road interchanges, four-span bridges, and dualised carriageways aimed at easing movement and expanding access to the capital from surrounding states.

    He revealed that over 3,000 housing units had been constructed across the North under the Renewed Hope Cities Initiative, with ongoing projects in Kano, Katsina, Gombe, Yobe, Benue, and the FCT.

    In the energy sector, the minister said the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) had installed over 1,100 standalone solar systems and 32 mini-grids across five North-East states, boosting access to off-grid power.

    He added that plans were underway to establish modern transport terminals in each geopolitical zone, with compressed natural gas (CNG) refueling points, security outposts, and sanitation facilities.

    Alkali said the Institute of Transport Technology in Zaria was now a hub for training technicians in CNG vehicles’ conversion, in line with the administration’s post-subsidy cost-reduction strategy.

    He also confirmed that the Federal Government had rescued and revived the  Federal University of Transportation , Daura, project, with the National Universities Commission (NUC) now providing mentorship and guiding academic development.

    The minister maintained that Tinubu was committed to equitable development across the six geopolitical zones, stressing that the North has no reason to feel left out under the current administration.

    He called on northern leaders, civil society, and traditional institutions to support government’s efforts and ensure that projects were sustained and protected from sabotage.

    Contributing to the discussion, the Minister of State for Works, Alhaji Bello Goronyo, underscored the strategic importance of the Sokoto to Zaria Highway, which he described as a vital economic corridor under active reconstruction.

    He said four contractors were currently on site along the stretch.

    The minister said: “CBC is handling the Sokoto,Talata Mafara axis with 24km of reinforced concrete already completed; while other firms are working simultaneously from Talata Mafara to Kwatarkwashi, Kwatarkwashi to Funtua, and Shika to Zaria.”

    Goronyo said that dozens of bridges were under construction along the corridor, and praised the continuous inspection efforts being carried out by him and the Minister of Works to ensure value for money and quality delivery.

    He explained that several abandoned projects were being re-evaluated and re-awarded due to renewed budgetary focus and Tinubu’s insistence on completing legacy infrastructure in all zones.

  • Aba-PH rail line operational, safe – NRC official

    Aba-PH rail line operational, safe – NRC official

    The Public Relations Officer, Aba Office of the Nigeria Railway Corporation, Mr Israel Uwalekwu, says the Aba-Port Harcourt rail line has been revamped by the Federal Government and has since become fully operational.

    Uwalekwu said this in an interview with NAN in Aba on Monday, while speaking on the corporation’s efforts to ensure the safety of its property.

    He said that activities on the rail line were suspended some time ago to enable the corporation to carry out rehabilitation work.

    He said that the work was done by the Federal Ministry of Works to revive  railway transportation in the area and  ease the challenges faced by commuters.

    “Now the rail line has been rehabilitated and activities have resumed and people are now travelling daily by rail to Port-Harcourt.

    “The security on the narrow guage rail line is superb but there were some cases of vandalism at Ogwe-Imo River-Elelenwo corridor by hoodlums in the past.

    “We have not recorded any case of kidnapping because the train shuttles with armed police escorts,” Uwalekwu said.

  • FG denies diversion of $3bn railway project by minister to home state

    FG denies diversion of $3bn railway project by minister to home state

    The Federal Ministry of Transportation (FMT) has described as false a report claiming that Sen. Said Alkali, the Minister of Transport, diverted three billion dollars railway project from South-East to his home state, Gombe for political gain.

    The ministry urged Nigerians to disregard the publication, describing it as false, malicious and misleading to the public, and should be discarded.

    This is contained in a statement issued by the management of the ministry and signed by Mrs Janet McDickson, Director of Information and Public Relation in the ministry.

    “Attention of Management and Staff of FMT has been drawn to a publication written by Sahara Reporters (online report) alleging that “Nigeria’s Transport Minister diverted $3 Billion Railway Project from South-East to Home State, Gombe for Political Gain”.

    “The management wishes to state categorically that, the above report is false, malicious and misleading to the public and should be discarded.

    The statement noted that the Port Harcourt -Maiduguri narrow gauge railway rehabilitation project was awarded to Messrs China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation in November, 2020.

    It said so far, the rehabilitation works had been completed from Port Harcourt to Aba and train services along the corridor was currently running.

    “Rehabilitation works from Aba to Enugu is ongoing with works on substructure completed while works on superstructures are ongoing.

    “It is pertinent to note that the slow pace of work on the project is due to paucity of funds and the Federal Ministry of Transportation is working assiduously with the Contractor to ensure that funds are drawn down to complete the project.

    “It is worthy to note that the main line for the project is in sections, Port Harcourt – Aba, Aba-Kafanchan, Kafanchan to Kuru in Jos, and Kuru to Maiduguri, “ it said.

    According to statement, as part of preliminary works on the remaining section of the project which includes Gombe State, a recognizance survey was carried out in 2024.

    It added that the survey was carried out along the entire rail line by the four stakeholders – the Federal Ministry of Transportation, Nigerian Railway Corporation, the Contractor and the Consultant.

    It stated that there was no work going on in Gombe currently as falsely reported by the Sahara Reporters.

    “The Management of the ministry requests that Sahara Reporters withdraw this fake report and apologise to the Minister, Sen. Said Alkali for dragging his name and the ministry in a bad light.

    “The minister is working assiduously to bring out the dividends of democracy to the entire nation to achieve the mandate of the Ministry and does not deserve to be attached with this fake news.

    “The Sahara Reporters is therefore, warned to desist from carrying out fake news but is advised to work professionally by officially verifying its information before publications, “ it said.

    According to it, the ministry is working hard to connect the entire country through the rail sector to ease transportation, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

  • Railway: FG told to link Warri-Itakpe train service to Abuja

    Railway: FG told to link Warri-Itakpe train service to Abuja

    Managing Director of the 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.

  • FG completes 63km Port Harcourt-Aba railway project

    FG completes 63km Port Harcourt-Aba railway project

    The Federal Government announced on Wednesday that it has completed the 63-kilometer Port Harcourt-Aba railway project.

    The Port Harcourt-Aba project is part of the larger Port Harcourt-Maiduguri railroad project initiated by the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Mr Fidet Okhiria, Managing Director of Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC), revealed this information while leading a delegation to inspect the project.

    He said train services would commence in a few months as soon as finishing touches are completed on the tracks.

    “The project from Port Harcourt to Maiduguri is not yet completed. They (contractors) are working in phases, and they have laid tracks up to Aba.

    “We are so anxious to commence operation, therefore, the Minister of Transportation, Mu’azu Sambo, directed us to come and inspect the project so that we can plan ahead of the operations.

    “We inspected from Port Harcourt to Aba, and we can confirm the main tracks have reached Aba in Abia,” he said.

    Okhiria said that the contractors were still installing loop and side lines, so that rail services can start immediately.

    “As we speak, you can put a locomotive on the track to Aba, but that will not be good enough for commercial purposes, hence, we are working hard to resume operations.

    “We are looking to start operations within months, and we have drawn a timeline. If we don’t start running on the track, it will go bad, and vandals will take possession.

    “We are going to meet and work out possible plan; so very soon, Port Harcourt-Aba train services will start,” he added.

    Okhiria warned against vandalizing the rail tracks, so as to allow the people to directly benefit from the project.

    According to him, the NRC has finalised plans to renovate its existing wagons to run alongside the new ones being expected.

    “Two wagons were awarded consisting of both narrow and standard gauge, but we will not wait for them to arrive, we are starting something soon.

    “We plan to start something very soon so that people will not be able to differentiate between the old functioning ones and the new ones.

    “Rolling stock has a lifespan of 30 years, hence, we will make sure that we refurbish them and make them attractive for people to use,” he said.

    The managing director assured that the federal government would complete the laying of the Port Harcourt-Maiduguri rail tracks within three years.

  • Removal of railway coaches from Borno “suspicious, unfair’’ – Zulum

    Removal of railway coaches from Borno “suspicious, unfair’’ – Zulum

    Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno has described the removal of some railway coaches from Maiduguri to other states by the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) as “suspicious and unfair”.

    Zulum made this known on Tuesday in Maiduguri when he visited the Maiduguri Railway Terminus.

    According to him, his government will follow all legal procedures to ensure that infrastructures meant for the state are not moved to other parts of the country.

    Zulum said that the state government was not informed about the decision to move the coaches until residents intercepted them as they were being moved.

    “About five months ago, some of the rail infrastructure were conveyed to other states of the federation without the knowledge of the security operatives and Borno Government.

    “This time around the community raised alarm when they saw the movement of these rolling stocks from Maiduguri to other parts of the country.

    “When we contacted the management of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, they said the rolling stocks would be moved to Jos for a complete overhaul and be dispatched elsewhere.”

    Zulum stressed that the decision to relocate the rail infrastructures was “crudely pursued” by the NRC.

    “On this note, I want to announce that nobody will move out any of the rail infrastructures here in Borno without recourse to the rule of law.

    “I urge you to remain calm and not to take the law into your hands.

    “I want to, once again, note that these infrastructures will not be moved anywhere, insha’Allah, Borno is one of the states in Nigeria and we have equal rights,” Zulum said.

    The governor noted that with the removal of railway management from the exclusive list, Borno would partner NRC to maximize benefits of rail transportation.

    It would be recalled that hundreds of Maiduguri residents stormed the Maiduguri Railway Terminus on Sunday to protest the removal of train coaches from Maiduguri to Jos for repairs by the NRC.

  • Railway management moves to secure properties nationwide

    Railway management moves to secure properties nationwide

    The Railway Property Management Company (RPMC), a subsidiary of the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC), said it has concluded arrangements to finalise its computerised Property and Tenant Register.

    Timothy Zalanga, Director of the RPMC, disclosed this on Friday while addressing a press conference in Kaduna.

    Zalanga, who noted that the RPMC was saddled with the responsibility of managing all lands and landed assets of the NRC, added that the recent initiative was to ascertain the number of properties and tenants under its purview for effective management.

    He said a task force had been set up by the management of the company to carry out the audit.

    “The task force is expected to cover Kaduna and environs as the pilot exercise before embarking on other States of the federation.

    “The exercise is expected to drive the company’s plan for a real-time interactive Land Management System on a digital platform,” he said.

    The Director warned those claiming ownership of lands and landed properties belonging to railway to desist from such claims.

    He, however, urged members of the public illegally occupying railway lands and landed properties to regularise their stay or risk ejection.

    Zalanga also urged allottees of railway lands to settle their rental obligations, adding that all those performing businesses along railway corridors should seek clearance or risk ejection.

    “Any illegal transfer of railway land or property to third parties will equally face revocation of allocation,” he stressed.

    Zalanga further said that as enshrined in the land use act, any land that is not in the hands of the state government before the advent of the act, still remained with the Federal Government.

    He explained, however, that for the purpose of building new rail lines, as they are doing from Kaduna to Kano, the railway had acquired new rail lines from the State Government, and translated it to be under the purview of the State Government.

    “Some weeks ago, a conference was organized for directors of lands nationwide by the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing where issues of land ownership were particularly addressed and they were educated on who owns a land and from what period.

    “The land use act (1978) already states that any land owned by the Federal Government, its Agency or parastatal, enactment of the act shall not be affected by the act, it is exempted completely,” Zalanga explained.

    Newsmen report that prior to the news briefing, the company visited Birnin Yero, Kakuri, Monday Market, Abakpwa, Ts’aunin Kura, Sabon Tasha, and Television Garage all in Kaduna, where they have property and lands.

  • Nigerian Railway generates N5.70bn from passengers in 2021

    Nigerian Railway generates N5.70bn from passengers in 2021

    The Nigerian Railway Corporation generated N5.70bn revenue from passengers in 2021, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) says.

    This is contained in the NBS Rail Transportation Data for 2021 released in Abuja on Wednesday.

    The report revealed that the total revenue generated from passengers in 2020 was N1.75 billion.

    The 2021 revenue, the NBS said, represents a 226.44 per cent increase.

    The report revealed that the total revenue generated in 2020, amounting to a 226.44 per cent increase.

    The bureau said that over 2.7 million  passengers travelled by train in 2021 compared to 1 million recorded in 2020, representing a 166.03 per cent increase.

    Similarly, the report showed a total of 168,301 tonnes of goods were transported in 2021 as against 87,440 recorded in 2020, showing a growth rate of 92.48 per cent.

    In addition, the report showed the revenue generated from goods in 2021 amounted to N317.57 million, higher by 12.87 per cent compared to N281.35 million in 2020.

    “Other income receipts in 2021 stood at N66.80 million, higher than the N5.19 million recorded in the preceding year.”

  • Remaining kidnapped railway passengers must be rescued alive – Buhari insists

    Remaining kidnapped railway passengers must be rescued alive – Buhari insists

    President Muhammadu Buhari has again directed that the remaining kidnapped railway passengers must be brought home alive

    The president gave the directive in a statement by his media aide, Malam Garba Shehu, on Tuesday in Abuja.

    According to the presidential aide, the nation’s military and security agencies are aware of their duty to the nation and are determined to give effect to the president’s charge with increased urgency.

    Shehu said the president directed increased efforts – kinetic and non-kinetic to bring the case to a closure.

    “Upon the President’s approval, the Government is continuing on the two-lane approach, kinetic and non-kinetic to secure the passengers’ safe release.

    “The kidnappers made a demand for the release of their own children and upon the settlement of that issue, they let go eleven of the victims, even though more were expected.

    “The setback notwithstanding, the Government is not leaving any stone unturned in the efforts to bring all of the hostages back,’’ he said.

    The presidential aide affirmed that defence, security, and intelligence agencies had given assurances to intensify operational engagements geared towards securing the rescue of all hostages and restoring peace to all parts of the country.

    According to him, government is also mindful of efforts of some patriotic and influential persons and institutions that are helping in securing the safe release of the hostages.

    “President Buhari welcomes the return of the recently released passengers back to their families and loved ones, while expressing his solemn commitment to the families of those still in captivity,’’ he added.

    Shehu quoted the president as assuring that “there will be no let-up until they are reunited with their families in the shortest time possible’’.