Toba Owojaiye reporting
Abuja , Nigeria
In a festive boon, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s initiative of free train rides has yielded substantial results, benefitting more than 63,000 passengers within a swift seven-day span.
This revelation surfaced during a media briefing in Lagos, where Mr. Fidet Okhiria, Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), expressed gratitude for the Federal Government’s support.
The complimentary train rides, spanning a 15-day period, have garnered widespread approval and participation, with Okhiria encouraging the public to leverage online platforms for seamless access. Emphasizing the government’s commitment to affordable travel options, he hinted at plans to extend such initiatives beyond the festive season.
Truth Live News reports that the NRC is actively working on expanding its rolling stocks to meet growing demand, with a focus on augmenting coaches and trips, particularly along the pivotal Lagos to Ibadan route. Okhiria also provided insights into the corporation’s future collaborations, aiming to fortify freight operations and ensure the safety of railway tracks.
Despite facing challenges, including vandalism, Okhiria outlined progress on ongoing projects, assuring the timely completion of tracks between Minna and Kaduna by the end of December. He announced plans to initiate skeletal services and train movement in the northern part of the country come January.
Addressing security concerns, Okhiria highlighted the NRC’s coordination with the military and police, underscoring their commitment to overcoming challenges and ensuring the safety of essential tracks.
Looking ahead to 2024, the NRC aspires to reduce turnaround time for Standard Gauge trains without any fare increase, aligning with the government’s steadfast dedication to providing affordable and secure transportation.