…Rivers APC chieftain wants Tinubu to boost security to allow full services
The limited operations in the rail sector is not ideal, both industry operators and other keen observers have bemoaned.
Their grouse is that trains operate 24 hours anywhere in the world but security considerations have limited trains in Nigeria to run only in the day, thereby limiting the number of runs, the volume of passengers, and the revenue it is expected to generate.
Others say huge sums were signed off as loans to develop the rail system and must be repaid through revenues garnered from effective and full operations of the trains, failing which major national assets may be at risk.
One of those showing reservations on this is a chieftain of the All Progressives’ Congress (APC), Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, who has observed that limited operations or ‘fly-by-day’ operation is never how train services were designed to operate anywhere in the world.
Eze, a loyalist of the former transportation minister and onetime governor of Rivers State, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, who is also the erstwhile national publicity secretary of the defunct New People’s Democratic Party (NPDP), called on the federal government to double efforts in the fight against insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, terrorism and other forms of insecurity that have limited the full operation of train services across the country.
He recalled the explanation offered by the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), which he said had stated that their night activities were being limited because of insecurity. “That is not how train services operate. Train operation is 24 hours non-stop, but that is not the case in Nigeria.”
The chieftain said with the completion of track laying on the Port Harcourt-Aba Eastern Narrow-Gauge Rail line, coupled with other completed and functional lines, prospects were high that price of commodities would crumble when it eventually begins passenger and freight operations towards the first quarter of 2024 as pegged by the NRC.
In a statement, Eze said Nigerians were beginning to appreciate the determination of former Transportation Minister in crafting a solid masterplan for rail transportation in the country.
Sparring some thought on the conception stage of the projects when the then minister was smeared for his stance on ensuring that all prerequisite frameworks and best financing options were adopted for the unhindered completion of the projects within time, Eze said most of those who vilified the former minister are enjoying the train rides today and even benefited in the free service during the festive season.
Eze said that Amaechi stands on excellence in whatever he embarks on and never allows the word impossibility to creep into his lexicon. “Amaechi’s watchword is excellence and whatever he sets out to achieve he goes all out for it because the result will impress even the worst of critiques.”
He said given the high cost of living and general hardship orchestrated by the fuel subsidy removal and the ineptitude of government in solving the least of problems that bother on the basic needs of citizens, rail transportation (as is the case in civilized societies) has emerged as the better alternative for passenger and freight conveyance. He said this helps to reduce the high cost of basic commodities which are way beyond the reach of the commoners who barely can afford a square meal per day.
During the Christmas and new year season, he stated, railway train services were free for passengers from Iddo to Kajola, Ido Iddo to Ijoko, Kajoala to Apapa; and Lagos to Ibadan.
Eze said those who benefited from the free train ride have reasons to say a word or two of gratitude to former Transportation Minister, who he said made train services possible in and for Nigerians at this hard time.
Eze commended CCECC for staying true to the terms of the contract according to schedule. He also hailed Nigerian Railway Corporation and the Ministry of Transportation for supervising every bit and stage of the project to ensure its completion for the enjoyment of Nigerians.
He said Nigerians will continue to be grateful to Amaechi for the foundation he laid for the good of the country through enduring legacies.
