NRC to deliver global-best ‘new generation’ train system – MD
The Tinubu-led administration would come up with the railway master plan in April
The Managing Director, Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr Kayode Opeifa, says the corporation will operate a new generation train system comparable to anywhere in the world.
Opeifa said this when the Managing Director of the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), Mrs Abimbola Akinajo, and top management of the agency, paid a courtesy visit to the corporation on Tuesday in Lagos.
Opeifa said the Tinubu-led administration would come up with the railway master plan in April that will deliver global-best ‘new generation’ train system.
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He also disclosed that the Federal Government under the Renewed Hope Agenda, had graciously agreed to support all the state governments to develop their intra-city rail networks.
Opeifa lauded the Lagos State Government for the achievements in the Red and Blue lines through LAMATA.
“The Blue line is an example that nothing is impossible. That is a line that runs exclusively on electricity and LAMATA has been able to keep it in operation for two years non-stop.
“In the next five years, a lot of things will change in this country and soon, Nigerians will be able to even enjoy new generation rail system.
“In our generation, we shall be able to operate all modes of modern rail systems comparable to anywhere in the world,” Opeifa said.
Opeifa who lamented that Nigeria built about 3,500 kilometres of rail tracks in 60 years and stopped for another 60 years, said this administration under its Renewed Hope Agenda was determined to put a stop to such.
Opeifa promised to sustain the massive investments of the Federal Government on rail transportation infrastructure.
He said the corporation would continue to give priority to areas that would lessen the burden of transportation on the people, reduce poverty, and inflation.
“I look forward to the time when all states of the federation will run train services round the clock in their states to lessen the burden on the NRC and make it to concentrate on freight movements,” he said.
Opeifa said he would continue to give Lagos State and other federating states expeditious approvals to ensure that they take train services to the hinterlands for the benefit of Nigerians.
He disclosed that four more states were at the various stages of readiness to join Lagos as train-friendly states.
He said Plateau, Niger, Bauchi and Ogun states were already discussing with the corporation in opening up their states for rail development.
Responding, Akinajo said the visit was to strengthen relationship the corporation and LAMATA.
“We are happy about your appointment and we are looking forward to a more fruitful working relationship with the NRC.
“We are happy that both the NRC and LAMATA are driven by the passion to make rail transportation available to Nigerians,” she said.
She said Lagos State would continue to make judicious use of the licences given to the state for both the Red and Blue Lines as well as the access granted for the Red Line to use the national corridor.
