FG Set To Improve Welfare Of Railway Workers, Says Alkali

The Federal Government has revealed plans to improve the welfare of staff of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), to foster better working conditions. The Minister of Transportation, Senator Sa’idu Alkali, who made the disclosure recently during a familiarisation visit to the NRC’s Headquarters in Ebute-Meta, Lagos, affirmed that he would give priority attention to the implementation of the Presidential approval for the upward review of special allowance for Nigerian railway workers. According to him, “The visit was to access and evaluate the performance of the Corporation in relation to Managerial coordination and implementation of existing rail infrastructure and ongoing projects with particular reference to Lagos-Ibadan and Kano-Maradi Railway modernisation”. The Minister assured the NRC’s Management of the Ministry’s support towards realizing its statutory functions in all ramifications. “The Federal Ministry of Transportation would take advantage of bilateral and multilateral agreements between Nigeria and several countries on trade and transfer of technology,” added. Speaking further, Alkali pointed out that transportation constitutes a major organ in promoting economic growth across countries world wide. As such, the Ministry according to him, would ensure completion of Bola Tinubu Station of the Standard Gauge rail in a very short while In a similar vein, he said the Ministry was working towards fixing the single-track carrying containers from Lagos to Kano within three months. Alkali added that the Ministry was also working towards expansion of the Operational Scope of Kajola Rail Wagon Assembly Plant. He however, affirmed that ” The familiarization tour of railway facilities and projects within Lagos was interesting, despite a number of discoveries that required urgent Executive action”. Earlier, the Managing Director, NRC, Fidet Okhiria, who congratulated the Minister on behalf of the entire staff on his appointment and that  the NRC had faced challenges, which includes security threats and vandalism of critical infrastructure. “We must commend the efforts of various security agencies for securing the NRC facilities for safety of our valued passengers and other stakeholders by arresting and prosecuting offenders”, he added. He pleaded with the Minister to use his legislative experience to achieve his mandate of railway modernisation projects in the country.

FG sets to enhance rail sector for improved services -Alkali

The Federal Government has underscored its commitment to overhauling the rail transportation sector to ensure superior service delivery, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of creating a secure, accessible, and affordable railway network accessible to all Nigerians. During an unannounced visit to the Idu Train Station in Abuja, Senator Sai’du Alkali, the Minister of Transportation, affirmed this dedication. Alkali outlined strategic steps to rejuvenate the railway system, including bolstering cooperation with the Military high command to enhance security measures along all railway routes. Addressing concerns about the subpar condition of train coaches, amenities, lifts, and escalators, the Minister assured that comprehensive repairs would be expedited, ensuring they become operational promptly. Furthermore, the Minister extended commendation to security personnel for their role in maintaining safety. He assured the personnel that any outstanding allowances would be settled without delay, and going forward, remuneration would be provided punctually. Alkali reiterated that rail transportation remains the optimal means of travel, encouraging Nigerians to continue embracing it. He emphasized ongoing endeavors to align rail services with international standards and best practices.