PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari on
Tuesday commissioned the Kaduna-Abuja railway which though was conceptualised by
the administration of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo in 2006, the actual execution of
the project started in 2009 under the regime of the administration of Dr.
Goodluck Jonathan.
Buhari at the commissioning
ceremony said the completion and commissioning of the project marked a landmark
in the history of the country which he said will certainly add value to
transportation system as well as reduce unemployment...
He commended the Minister of Transportation,
Rotimi Amaechi and his team for the great efforts in the last few months
towards the successful completion of the project despite the economic situation
in the country.
“The construction
of the Abuja-Kaduna Standard Gauge rail track commenced in 2009 and happily,
seven 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 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.
“This project was conceived by a previous
administration, started by the last government and I am pleased to complete and
commission it.
“It is our vision and hope that those good old
days will soon be back with us and indeed in a more prosperous way with the
restoration of rail transport system which today’s occasion.
“In this regard, 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 and 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.
“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.
FCT Minister, Muhammad Musa Bello, in his
welcome remarks, said the completion and commissioning of the project have
opened a wide opportunity that will have a positive impact on the economic
lives of residents of the Territory, who are the immediate beneficiary of the
project adding that the Abuja intercity rail project which is being executed by
the FCT was 77 percent completed, and will meet its completion and commissioning
target of December 2017.
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