Sen. Sa’idu Ahmed Alkali, the Minister of Transportation, has reaffirmed the Ministry’s dedication to facilitating the Kaduna State Government initiative for the completion of its metropolitan rail mass transit initiative.
According to him, this action is intended to address transportation obstacles arising from the elimination of fuel subsidies.
According to a statement made public on Friday and endorsed by the Special Adviser on Media to the Minister of Transport, the disclosure took place during a courtesy visit to the Ministry’s Abuja office by a substantial 8-member delegation from the Kaduna State Government.
In his statement, the Minister lauded the visionary approach of Governor Uba Sani in placing paramount importance on practical transportation solutions, urging for recognition and support.
Previously, the head of the delegation and Kaduna State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Muhammed Sani Bello, noted that the motive for the visit was to familiarise and ask for the Minister’s backing on the undertaking.
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He further stated that the train mass transit endeavor has the propensity to improve the lives of the members of the populace and the State’s revenue base as a practicable transport sector is the foundation of development.
Bello stated that the request for Federal Government’s support for a collaborative effort on this endeavour will bring to reality the State Governor’s hope of connecting various parts of Kaduna metropolis and environs with a network of rail services that are much cheaper and more convenient.
Also speaking at the event, the Managing Director, Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Engr. Fidet Okhiria, told the Minister that Kaduna State Government and Plateau State have met with the Management of NRC and showed interest in beginning the programme as an approach to allocate the impact of subsidy removal.
Following comprehensive discussions, the Minister issued directives for the establishment of a Technical Committee, which would include members from the Federal Ministry of Transportation, Nigeria Railway Corporation, and the Kaduna State Government, with the task of providing a Memorandum of Understanding within 5 days.