After series of postponements, President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday flagged off the commencement of full commercial operations of the Abuja- Kaduna
rail project. The modernisation phase of the project commenced with the signing of the contract for the construction of Abuja (Idu) to Kaduna (Rigasa) rail line in 2009.
President Mohammadu Buhari during the commissioning said that the new rail line would significantly enhance and provide affordable and safe movement of passengers and freight between the Federal Capital Territory and Kaduna State.
While giving his remarks, he disclosed that the train operation would also serve as a major catalyst for industrialisation and generation of employment.
He said his administration is committed to ensuring that work on the Kano to Lagos rail project which is part of the master plan will be sustained, he related that With the flag-off, Nigerians are assured of safe and fast transportation of the country’s rich agricultural produce from the North through Abuja to the Southern part of the country.
His words, “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”.
“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”.
“I wish to assure Nigerians 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”.
Buhari Further reassured 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.
The president reiterated 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.
Earlier in his remarks, the Minister of Transportation, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, said the commencement of the rail service between Abuja and Kaduna will no doubt impact on the economic development of the region, adding that very soon the entire nation will be linked with rail system.
He commended President Buhari, Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, for their quick response in releases of fund for the completion of the project which started in 2009.
Recap that, The modernisation phase began in 2009 with the signing of the contract for the construction of the Abuja (Idu) to Kaduna (Rigasa) rail line.
The project was jointly financed by the Federal Government of Nigeria and China Exim Bank.