By Odimmegwa Johnpeter, Abuja
The Federal government has given the needed impetus to commercial activities with the flag off Freight services on the Warri-Itakpe railway line.
The Minister of Transportation, Rt Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi who performed the Flag-off ceremony at Ujevwu Railway Station in Warri, Delta State, notes: “This Laudable achievement will definitely boost the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and equally enhance the socio-economic development of the communities and Nigerians generally, irrespective of political affiliation.”
This was contained in a statement signed by Eric Ojiekwe, Director Press and Public Relations.
Furthermore, the Minister disclosed that “The Freight Services is a partnership between Nigerian Railway Cooperation (NRC) and NNPC to move materials for the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano gas Pipe Line project. It will hasten the completion of this project and improve electricity supply for domestic and industrial usage and to also accelerate the movement towards industrialization.”
The Minister also called on the host communities to take advantage of the opportunities created by the project and protect it from vandals.
“May I use this opportunity to call on the communities where these facilities are sited to make the best use of them by protecting this crucial Federal Government Infrastructure from vandalization.”
Also speaking, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Land Transport, Senator Buhari Abdulfatai, who was represented by Senator Istifanus Gyang representing Plateau North Senatorial District, said the commencement of freight services on the Warri-Itakpe standard rail line is a major step in Nigeria’s quest to have functional rail transportation, adding that it addresses the huge infrastructure deficit in the transportation sector and the nation as a whole.
He further pledged the support of the Senate in terms of adequate appreciation and effective oversight function
The Delta State Governor, represented by the Commissioner of Transportation, Mr. Ovie Oghoore, commended the Minister and his team for the return of railway infrastructure to the region. He expressed delight over the completion of the project and pledged the cooperation of the State Government.
On his part, the Chairman, Nigerian Railway Corporation Governing Board, Ibrahim Alhassan Musa, noted that the resumption of freight services by train will reduce the risk and hazards occasioned by road transportation.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Transportation, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, Directors of the Ministry, and first-class traditional rulers were among dignitaries present at the occasion.
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