Railway
As Abuja-Kaduna train resumes operations today, IGP deploys specially armed police
More than eight months after the popular Abuja-Kaduna passenger train service was suspended, it will resume operations today (Monday) December 5 with the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, ordering the deployment of specially armed personnel along the corridor to safeguard the area.
Spokesman for the Nigeria Police Force Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement on Sunday, said the security operatives would be drawn from the police mobile force, K-9, force intelligence bureau, explosive ordinance unit and railway police command.
Terrorists attacked an Abuja-Kaduna passenger train on March 28, 2022, in which about eight persons were killed and 63 declared abducted. The abducted persons were later released in batches over a period of time.
Adejobi said the Nigeria Police Force had been in regular talks with the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) and other security agencies in preparation for the commencement of operations.
“The deployment covers major railway stations along the route and operational coaches to provide adequate security for passengers, their property and the entire service in order to prevent any unforeseen incident,” he said.
The police spokesman also said the IGP had assured the public, especially intending passengers, of adequate protection of lives and property.
He quoted the IGP as saying that all hands would be on deck to fortify the railway services along the route and other rail lines across the country.
The Federal Government had said operations would resume on the corridor last month. However, there was a delay in bringing the plans to fruition.
The FG, in its latest schedule, drew up another timeline for resumption.
Managing Director of the NRC, Fidet Okhiria, said in a statement on Saturday that the first train would depart Rigasa train station in Kaduna to Abuja by 8:00 in the morning while from Abuja, the first train would depart Idu train station to Kaduna by 9:45 in the morning.
As part of the new security measures, according to him, it is now mandatory for passengers to present their National Identity Number and valid boarding ticket before they will be allowed to board the train.
Railway
Vandals destroy rail track in Kaduna community
Vandals destroy rail track in Kaduna community
Vandals have destroyed a rail track at Chidunu village in the Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The hoodlums taking advantage of high rate of insecurity in the area stormed the village and reportedly loaded their three trucks with track materials forcefully removed from the rail.
Public Relations Officer for the Northern District of the Nigeria Railway Corporation, Alhaji Abdullahi, in a statement on Monday, said two of the truck were stopped and impounded by security agents.
However, a Canter truck driver absconded with a portion of the stolen materials.
Some of the vandals were also apprehended by security operatives around the community.
Abdullahi highlighted the logistical challenges with the urgency to act before nightfall and the volatile nature of the area.
“It was difficult to arrange for logistics to evacuate track rails and sleepers before it got dark,” he said, emphasizing the collaborative efforts with local vigilantes and hunters to bolster surveillance along the affected railway stretch.
“We received a report on Sunday that the vandals were arrested during their illicit operation with two long trucks loaded with rail track materials,” Abdullahi said.
He added that the case has been handed over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for further investigation.
“The case is at present with the NSCDC, O.C. Anti-Vandal for further investigation,” Abdullahi stated.
Railway
UK firm to build PH-Enugu-Abuja standard rail line – FG
UK firm to build PH-Enugu-Abuja standard rail line – FG
The Federal Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Messrs MPH Rail Development Limited, a United Kingdom company for the construction of the Port Harcourt–Enugu–Calabar–Abuja Standard Gauge Rail Line.
The project when completed will be operated under a public-private partnership framework.
These details are contained in a statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Transportation and published on its website.
Under the MoU, the UK firm will manage the design, construction, commissioning, operation and eventually transfer to the Nigerian Railway Corporation.
The ministry stated that the MoU signing followed the approval of the Outline Business Case and the issuance of a compliance certificate by the Infrastructure, Concession, and Regulatory Commission.
This clearance allows Messrs MPH Rail Development (UK) Limited to focus on assembling the necessary documents for the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approval to proceed with the project.
Some of the essential documents for advancing this initiative are listed as a comprehensive feasibility study report, a full Business Case Study, an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment, the production of a Resettlement Action Plan, and the design of a Financial Model to implement the project.
This would ensure transfer of the line to the Federal Government under a PPP arrangement without incurring loans or debts for the Nigerian government or its agencies.
At the MoU signing ceremony, Alkali pledged the ministry’s support for the successful implementation of the project.
He emphasized the importance of diligent preparation and submission of all requisite documents to expedite FEC’s approval.
The statement read in part, “As part of the initiative to consolidate the ongoing railway modernisation projects consistent with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Presidential Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration, the Minister of Transportation, Senator Saidu Ahmed Alkali, has executed a Memorandum of Understanding on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Transportation with Messrs MPH Rail Development (UK) Limited to enable the company to carry out the design, construction, commissioning, operation and transfer of the Port Harcourt–Enugu–Calabar–Abuja Standard Gauge Rail Line on Public – Private Partnership basis.”
Railway
Tinubu inaugurates Lagos Red Rail Line, says Nigerians deserve access to multiple transport modes
Tinubu inaugurates Lagos Red Rail Line, says Nigerians deserve access to multiple transport modes
President Bola Tinubu on Thursday inaugurated the Red Rail Line in Lagos with a declaration that Nigerians deserve access to efficient multiple modes of transportation.
The 37km intra-state rail line is the second rail projects to be inaugurated by the Lagos State Government in less than one year. The first, Lagos Blue Rail Line, was commissioned by former President Muhammadu Buhari in the twilight of his administration last year.
Tinubu, speaking at the inauguration on Thursday, said, “Nigerians must be able to enjoy access to multiple alternative modes of transportation all of which are safe, efficient and affordable.
“The nation’s transportation minister is here. It is very critical for your ministry to collaborate further with subnational government, to help build a Nigeria for the greatest number of people.”
How it started
He recalled how the railway project started while he was Lagos State governor.
He said, “Twenty-five years ago, I was elected to lead Nigeria’s most populous state, the smallest in land mass, when all that existed here was suppressed and aborted potential and when the dream began, my team and I toiled day and night to craft and implement a developmental vision that would transform Lagos into the economic power house of Africa and a respected mega city on a global state. We are releasing that dream.
“I’m pleased to declare to you that the moment of greatness we kick-started a quarter of century ago has since become unstoppable.”
The President reiterated his administration’s commitment to improving the nation’s infrastructural development.
No going back on reforms
He also said there was no going back on the reforms embarked upon by his government.
“This reform that is ongoing, we are not looking back; the engineering, the construction, the affirmation of our pledge to be loyal to our country. One thing I know is that there is a very bright light at the end of the tunnel,” he said.
Battle with corruption
President Tinubu also spoke on his government’s battle with corruption, admitting that while the administration was making efforts to fight corruption, the scourge would fight back.
He said, “We said we can do it, you believed in us. We said the people’s lives will end up being better, you believed in us. I could hear a lot of voices right now, I asked for this job, I cannot complain, it’s all about democracy.
“I agree smugglers will fight back, corruption will fight back. We will fight them to ruin. Corruption will go away, save the money for you to educate our children, to pay for the healthcare system of our people, to pay for the modern transportation system that works for highest number of people, not those few smugglers.”
He commended Governor of Lagos State Babajide Sanwo-Olu for the giant strides.
“As we inaugurate the first phase of the Red Line, we cannot afford to rest on our oars. Work still needs to be done at national and subnational level. No room for complacency. I look forward to the completion of the other phases.
“I perceive massive economic opportunities coming out of this.
“I am assuring that Nigeria will be out of economic problems, we just need to persevere, work hard,” the President said.
Sanwo-Olu: A new developmental pace
Governor Sanwo-Olu in his speech said the Lagos Red Line was not just about improving the city’s mobility, but reshaping the urban landscape and setting a new pace for development.
“We’re opening doors to opportunities, growth, and a sustainable future,” said the governor.
-
Entertainment6 days ago
Daniel Emma wins Episode 2 Season 2 of Sabipas 10 Balls Snooker Challenge
-
metro7 days ago
Adeleke raises alarm over planned attacks on schools, farms
-
News7 days ago
BREAKING: Ningi resigns as Chairman of Northern Senators Forum after his Suspension
-
metro7 days ago
Soldiers uncover illegal arms factory in Delta
-
International2 days ago
Niger Republic terminates military agreement with US
-
Uncategorized6 days ago
FG secures $1.3bn for Kano-Maradi rail project
-
News5 days ago
Insecurity: U.S ready to help Nigeria tackle kidnappings – FG
-
metro7 days ago
JUST IN: Hoodlums invade hospital in Enugu, kidnap director, 1 other