Abuja – Kaduna rail service takes off, as Buhari assures on Lagos-Calabar, Kano-Lagos lines
President Muhammadu Buhari Tuesday inaugurated the Abuja – Kaduna railway line even as the Abuja-Kaduna train commenced Passengers & Freight services on Standard Gauge Rail track which is the first in Nigeria.
Speaking during the ceremony, Buhari disclosed that, “This project was conceived by a previous administration, started by the last government and I am pleased to complete and commission it.
“The construction of the Abuja-Kaduna Standard Gauge rail track commenced in 2009 and happily, sixteen years after, we are on the threshold of presenting to Nigerians a Standard Gauge Railway Train Service that will be safe, fast and reliable.
“The Abuja-Kaduna train service will provide the much needed alternative transport link between the Federal Capital Territory and Kaduna State, a corridor which has a huge potential for industries, agricultural activities and a growing labour force.
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He commended transport Minister, Rotimi Amaecchi and his team, saying “The Minister of Transportation, Chief Rotimi Amaechi and his team have put great efforts in the last few months to ensure the successful completion of this project under this Administration. Completion and Commissioning of this project is indeed in keeping with our vision of bringing about the desired change to make life easier for the generality of Nigerians through the development and provision of the necessary social and physical infrastructure.
Buhari pledged “that most State capitals and major commercial and production centres will be linked with railway system as a way of bringing about rapid socio-economic development and improving the quality of life of the Nigerians and promoting social & regional integration.
“Furthermore, I wish to also reassure Nigerians that due attention will be placed on pursuing the 25-Year Strategic Railway Master Plan which is aimed at rehabilitating the existing 3,505km narrow gauge rail line and developing and constructing new standard gauge rail lines across the country.
He said “As we celebrate the symbolic return of rail service today I wish to reiterate the commitment of this Administration to pursue with greater vigour and determination rehabilitation and construction of other rail lines including the major Lagos-Calabar and Kano-Lagos lines.
“As we get down to work, I look forward to flagging off many more lines outlined in our transport policy programme” Buhari said.
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