The managing director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Engr. Fidet Okhiria, has disclosed plans to launch operations on the Lagos to Kano narrow gauge route, with a focus on strengthening the fleet.
He told journalists on the sidelines of a two-day ministerial retreat on “Cascading Signed Performance Bond” with the minister of transportation in Abuja.
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Okhiria said commuters should also expect the commencement of services on the Port Harcourt to Aba route in the coming quarter, promising increased accessibility and convenience.
Engr. Okhiria emphasized the significant progress made on the Kaduna to Kano corridor, with efforts concentrated on aligning the narrow gauge to accommodate the standard gauge.
“Completion of this alignment, currently at 80%, is expected to streamline operations and improve route transitions for passengers, extending from Makarfi to Kano.
“Furthermore, ongoing formation works from Makarfi to Kaduna signify steady progress towards completion, ” he said.
Okhiria expressed optimism that, barring unforeseen challenges, the Abuja to Kaduna route could be operational by the middle of the following year.
Looking to the future, Engr Okhiria expressed confidence in the NRC’s ability to extend connectivity beyond Kaduna, envisioning seamless travel from Abuja to Kano by mid-2025.
He stated, “This ambitious vision underscores the NRC’s commitment to enhancing transportation infrastructure and driving economic growth nationwide. As the NRC prioritizes expansion and modernization efforts, these developments signal a promising future for railway transportation in Nigeria, addressing the evolving needs of the populace and fostering socio-economic progress across the country.”