The Minister of Transportation, Mr Muazu Sambo, has commended the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration for deeming it fit to revive railway transportation to boost inter-state business and enhance economic growth.
Sambo spoke during a courtesy visit with his team to the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) headquarters in Lagos, on Thursday.
He applauded the former Minister of Transportation, Mr Rotimi Amaechi, for his unflinching commitment in ensuring the actualisation of the standard gauge railway, for Nigerians to enjoy the benefits of democracy.
“I wish the incoming government will continue with the progress in the rail sector which we are all proud of presently.
”My gratitude goes to my predecessor for all he has done while in office; even his enemies admitted to his commitment towards achieving success in the rail sector.
“My predecessor has left an indelible mark; although we have limited time, we have vowed to continue where the former minister stopped.
”We have been receiving support from the management of railway but we hope it will be sustained to enable us create enabling environment for business to thrive and reduce time of doing business,” he said.
In his welcome address, the Managing Director, NRC, Mr Fidet Okhiria, commended the Minister’s commitment towards ensuring completion of all the projects within the time frame, adhering to quality and International best practices.
Okhiria appreciated President Buhari for keeping the railway alive through critical infrastructure development and sustainability of the NRC operation.
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He said that railway was the cornerstone of the economic growth and development of all countries, through mass movement of freights and people.
The managing director said the railway, in doing so, created direct and indirect job opportunities, urbanisation, business expansion and social integration for peaceful coexistence.
“In the recent time, NRC has been facing some challenges which include security and vandalism.
“We thank the Minister and his team for their effort towards ensuring that the railway corridors are now properly secure for the safety of our esteemed passengers and other stakeholders.
”I also commend the effort of he Honourable Minister by ensuring all hostages of AKTS infamous train attack were released before the resumption of the train operations on AKTS.
“This shows the compassion and empathy of our Minister,” Okhiria said.
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