Nigeria’s newly appointed Minister of Transportation, Saidu Alkali, on Sunday, Pledges to tackle challenges militating against the operations of the railway services in the country.
Alkali, while emphacizing the need for improvement, stated that his actions are driven by the agenda of President Bola Tinubu of Renewed Hope.
He also indicated that the Managing Director of the Nigeria Railway Corporation may face disciplinary action in relation to the Abuja-Kaduna railway operations.
The minister publicized this when he paid an unscheduled visit to Idu Train station in Abuja.
The minister during the visit personally inspected the coaches and discovered several issues that need urgent attention. However, some of the toilet facilities were found to be non-functional.
He said, “It is out of a desire to achieve the agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Renewed Hope. So from the experience when the visit is scheduled they’ll be able to put some of the things in place because they are aware you are coming to see.
“So, seeing is believing, as I have seen by myself. I inspected the coaches. Some of the toilet facilities are not working.”
Moreover, Alkali affirms that he received complaints from security escorts regarding unpaid allowances for the past five months.
“I received a complaint from the security escorts that in the last five months their allowances were not paid and I am happy that the MD of NRC is appearing before the ministry on Tuesday to brief. So, if he comes I am now well informed the lifts and escalators aren’t working, which makes it very difficult for the elderly and the disabled persons to use the train for travelling.
“Therefore, he would explain why disciplinary action wouldn’t be taken against him,” the minister stressed.
