The Minister of Transportation, Saidu Alkali has assured the Kaduna State Government of the ministry’s support as it seeks to embark on provision of metropolitan rail mass transit scheme for its citizens to alleviate transportation challenges occasioned by the fuel subsidy removal.
Alkali who made this disclosure during a courtesy visit by an 8-man delegation from the Kaduna State government to the ministry in Abuja stated that the ingenuity of the State governor, Uba Sani to place primacy on viable means of transportation should be commended and given the necessary support it deserves.
The minister gave assurances of the ministry’s support and his interest to partake at every level of discussion that will enable the scheme commence.
Alkali in a statement on Friday by his Special Adviser on Media, Moh’d Yidikawu, noted that the initiative was timely as it is in consonance with Mr. President’s charge to State governors to proffer palliative measures to cushion the effects of petroleum subsidy removal on Nigerians.
Earlier, the leader of the delegation and the State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Muhammed Bello, stated that the reason for the visit was to acquaint and solicit for the minister’s support on the project.
He stated that the train mass transit initiative has the propensity to better the lot of the people and the State’s revenue base as a viable transport sector is the bedrock of development.
According to him, The request for federal government’s support for a collaborative effort on this initiative will actualize the State Governor’s desire to connect various parts of Kaduna metropolis and environs with network of rail services that are much cheaper and convenient.
Also speaking at the event, the Managing Director, Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Fidet Okhiria, informed the minister that Kaduna and Plateau State governments have approached the management of NRC and indicated interest to commence the programme as a way of cushioning the effects of subsidy following the high rise in transportation cost.
Consequently, the minister directed the constitution of a Technical Committee consisting of the ministry, NRC, Kaduna State government with a timeline of 5=five days to produce a Memorandum of Understanding.