FG to modernise, rehabilitate, rail transport sector

By Abiodun OBA

The Federal government under the watch of the new Minister of Transportation, Sen. Said Ahmed Alkali will under careful study of prevailing economic trends, undertake the provision, modernization, rehabilitation, planning and development of the rail transport sector with efficient security services.

Sen. Alkali let this out when he resumed work on Tuesday after being sworn-in by the President.

He said, “I will ensure a sustainable collaboration with related ministries, agencies and corporate entities to reactivate the road transport and mass transit operations in the Country”.

Alkali explained that with the current hike of transportation fares in the country, the ministry’s focus would be on policies that will encourage reduction in the cost of movement for both passengers and cargo.

“Similarly, I will under careful study of prevailing economic trends, undertake the provision, modernization, rehabilitation, planning and development of the rail transport sector with efficient security services to support the realization of primary purpose of government.

“This initiative will no doubt maximize the potentials embodied in the recent Constitutional alterations that moved rail transport services from the exclusive list to the concurrent list. It will also reduce the frequent menace on our roads characterized with accidents, kidnappings and armed robbery”.

The Minister noted that “the Ministry of Transport must assume a leading role of improving the public transportation sector to support the numerous policies that are geared towards providing democratic dividends that are accessible to ordinary Nigerians through effective provision of public transport that is secured, affordable and convenient across the country.

“It is important to state that the Federal Ministry of Transportation remains among the few Ministries that were established and, continue in existence from colonial period to date with little modification of name given its strategic place as gateway to the nation’s economy.

“This might probably explain why the Ministry is undergoing restructuring in response to emerging national economic challenges that require the services of the Ministry,” he stated.

Furthermore, Alkali pledged that his administration will strive to ensure the realisation of ministry’s mandate and the mandates of agencies under its jurisdiction.

“This endeavour will assist to harness the resources of the nation, promote national prosperity and dynamic self-reliant economy that will actualise the “Renewed Hope” of the present administration’s developmental agenda of ensuring an efficient transport system consistent with the socio-economic objectives of the Constitution.”