The Ministry of Transportation, under the auspices of the Federal Government, announced initiatives to elevate the welfare and working conditions of employees at the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC).
During a recent visit to the NRC Headquarters in Ebute-Meta, Lagos, Transportation Minister Sa’idu Alkali highlighted his intent to prioritize the execution of the Presidential endorsement for an increase in special allowances for railway staff.
Alkali elaborated on the visit’s purpose, stating it aimed to assess the Corporation’s management, operational efficiency, and progression of current rail projects, specifically spotlighting the Lagos-Ibadan and Kano-Maradi railway modernization.
He assured the NRC’s leadership of the Ministry’s unwavering support in fulfilling its statutory roles. Additionally, he mentioned leveraging international trade agreements and technology transfers to enhance Nigeria’s railway system.
Emphasizing transportation’s pivotal role in global economic development, Alkali confirmed the Ministry’s dedication to expedite the completion of the President Bola Tinubu Station Standard Gauge rail. Concurrently, initiatives are underway to repair the container-bearing single-track from Lagos to Kano within the next three months and broaden the reach of the Kajola Rail Wagon Assembly Plant.
In a Friday statement by Director Henshaw Ogbuike, Alkali described his railway facilities tour in Lagos as enlightening, albeit with findings demanding swift government intervention.
NRC Managing Director, Fidet Okhiria, applauded Alkali on his appointment and shed light on challenges facing the NRC, notably security concerns and infrastructure vandalism. Recognizing the contributions of security forces in safeguarding NRC assets, Okhiria appealed to Minister Alkali to channel his legislative expertise towards advancing railway modernization projects nationally.
