Rail transport between Abuja, Nigeria’s Capital and Kaduna State is to resume May 23rd after terrorists attacked a busy train killing Seven passengers in March.
Nigeria’s former Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Amaechi disclosed this while addressing delegates of the All Progressives Congress, APC in Makurdi, the Capital of Benue State in North Central Nigeria.
Amaechi who is a Presidential aspirant on the platform of the APC said the railroad from Abuja to Kaduna was done within the first tenure of President Muhammadu Buhari under his supervision as transport Minister.
It would be recalled that about Seven passengers were reported dead after terrorists attacked a Kaduna bound busy train which took off from Abuja, in March.
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The terrorists had mined the rail track forcing the train, carrying about 970 passengers to a stop.
Following the incident, the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) suspended operations along the route, a journey of about 150km (93-miles).
But addressing party delegates in Makurdi on Thursday, the former transport Minister said the Nigerian Government had put necessary measures in place for the trains to be back on track in a matter of days.
The former Minister also announced that contract for the construction of railroad from Kaduna to Kano had commenced same as the Port Harcourt to Maiduguri which will traverse through Makurdi.
According to Amaechi, It will cost the Nigerian Government about $36 billion US dollars to effectively fix a fully functional railway system across the country.
The railroads are to be financed through a foreign loan which the federal government is yet to secure, said the former Minister.
“If you say it’s a lie, send someone to Port Harcourt to confirm if they are not constructing. They are booting while we are negotiating the loan.”
“The moment we get the loan, then you will see them in 4, 5 trounce which will include Benue. All will be constructed at the same time as we did in Lagos-Ibadan.“
Plans for Local Govt
The aspirant pledged to reposition the Local Government system by granting the third tier of government full autonomy to make it more attractive and functional for optimal results.
“If you make me president, Local Governments in the country will be taking their allocation directly from the federation account.
“I will make Governors to stop tampering with Local Government funds. Under my leadership, the Federal Government will take over health and education from Local Governments for proper management.“
Mr. Amaechi who described himself as the most experienced Nigerian running for office of the president promised to create an alternative economy in order to reduce crime wave in the country.
Gender Balance
In order to encourage more women participation in politics, Mr. Amaechi also promised Nigerian women equal opportunity under his administration.
“Women will have more opportunities in my government like the men because women are more brilliant than the men.”
Benue State Chairman of APC, Comrade Austin Agada assured the aspirant of support from the Benue delegates.
“Benue people are in love with you because you are a courageous fighter. As a leader at various levels, you did very well. We are convinced that as president, you will be the best leader this country will produce”.
“Come rain, come sun, Benue will be delivered to APC next year.“
