I am delighted to be commissioning the Abuja-Kaduna rail track- Buhari
Wed Jul 27, 2016 09:14:am National
3.7K By Buchi Obichie
Speaking at the commissioning of the Abuja-Kaduna rail track, President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday expressed delight that train services were back in Nigeria as was the case in the 80s.
While commissioning the project in Abuja, President Buhari said it would impact on the lives of Abuja residents as well as those in Kaduna State.
He said the rail project, which was started by the previous administration of Goodluck Jonathan, but completed and delivered by his Government, was in line with the agenda of his party, the All Progressives Congress, APC.
The President said: "I am delighted to be here today to commission Abuja-Kaduna rail track and flag off the Abuja-Kaduna train services (Passengers & Freight) on Nigeria's first ever Standard Gauge Rail track to go into operation.
"This project was conceived by a previous administration, started by the last Government and I am pleased to complete and commission it.
"It is on record that between 1963 and early 80s, Nigeria had a vibrant rail system which conveyed agricultural produce, livestock and solid mineral resources to Lagos and Port Harcourt sea ports from where they were exported to other parts of the world.
"It is our vision and hope that those good old days will soon be back with us and, indeed, in a more prosperous way, with the restoration of rail transport system which today's occasion symbolizes.
"The construction of Abuja-Kaduna Standard Gauge rail track commenced in 2009 and happily, 16 years after, we are on the threshold of presenting to Nigerians a Standard Gauge Railway Train Service that will be safe, fast and reliable.
"The Abuja-Kaduna train service will provide the much needed alternative transport link between the Federal Capital Territory and Kaduna State, a corridor which has a huge potential for industries, agricultural activities and a growing labour force.
"Completion and commissioning of this project is, indeed, in keeping with our vision of bringing about the desired change to make life easier for the generality of Nigerians through the development and provision of the necessary social and physical infrastructure."
Continuing, the President said: "I wish to also reassure Nigerians that due attention will be placed on pursuing the 25-Year Strategic Railway Master Plan which is aimed at rehabilitating the existing 3,505km narrow gauge rail line and developing and constructing new standard gauge rail lines across the country.
"As we celebrate the symbolic return of rail service today I wish to reiterate the commitment of this administration to pursue with greater vigour and determination rehabilitation and construction of other rail lines, including the major Lagos-Calabar and Kano-Lagos lines.''
During his speech, the President also commended the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, for a job well done.
While commissioning the project in Abuja, President Buhari said it would impact on the lives of Abuja residents as well as those in Kaduna State.
He said the rail project, which was started by the previous administration of Goodluck Jonathan, but completed and delivered by his Government, was in line with the agenda of his party, the All Progressives Congress, APC.
The President said: "I am delighted to be here today to commission Abuja-Kaduna rail track and flag off the Abuja-Kaduna train services (Passengers & Freight) on Nigeria's first ever Standard Gauge Rail track to go into operation.
"This project was conceived by a previous administration, started by the last Government and I am pleased to complete and commission it.
"It is on record that between 1963 and early 80s, Nigeria had a vibrant rail system which conveyed agricultural produce, livestock and solid mineral resources to Lagos and Port Harcourt sea ports from where they were exported to other parts of the world.
"It is our vision and hope that those good old days will soon be back with us and, indeed, in a more prosperous way, with the restoration of rail transport system which today's occasion symbolizes.
"The construction of Abuja-Kaduna Standard Gauge rail track commenced in 2009 and happily, 16 years after, we are on the threshold of presenting to Nigerians a Standard Gauge Railway Train Service that will be safe, fast and reliable.
"The Abuja-Kaduna train service will provide the much needed alternative transport link between the Federal Capital Territory and Kaduna State, a corridor which has a huge potential for industries, agricultural activities and a growing labour force.
"Completion and commissioning of this project is, indeed, in keeping with our vision of bringing about the desired change to make life easier for the generality of Nigerians through the development and provision of the necessary social and physical infrastructure."
Continuing, the President said: "I wish to also reassure Nigerians that due attention will be placed on pursuing the 25-Year Strategic Railway Master Plan which is aimed at rehabilitating the existing 3,505km narrow gauge rail line and developing and constructing new standard gauge rail lines across the country.
"As we celebrate the symbolic return of rail service today I wish to reiterate the commitment of this administration to pursue with greater vigour and determination rehabilitation and construction of other rail lines, including the major Lagos-Calabar and Kano-Lagos lines.''
During his speech, the President also commended the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, for a job well done.
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