Expert Advocates Unbundling Of Nigerian Railways

A railway policy professional, Mr Olawale Rasheed has advocated the unbundling of  the  Nigerian Railway Corporation , urging President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Executive Council to urgently implement reform of the nation’s railway system to solve transport challenges and jumpstart the nation’s economy.

In a series of tweets at the weekend, Rasheed who was the Chief Executive Officer of African Railway Consulting Limited until recently said solving the transport hiccups occasioned by bad roads demands revitalisation of the railway system which presently suffers froma outdated laws, structures and equipment.

He noted that professionals in the railway sector are patiently awaiting the agenda of the President in unbundling the monumental benefits that the sector holds for the country, adding that President Tinubu must embrace critical reforms to turn things around for the better.

“Mr President must embrace private sector led initiative, unbundle the NRC into four companies, pursue amendment of 1958 Railway act and adopt PPP funding model.

“The Presidency needs to enforce the unbundling of the NRC for four reasons, namely it is against global best practice for a firm to be the operator and regulator. It gives room for inefficiency and corruption.

“Operating a 1958 Act is really a great disservice to the growth and development of the rail sector. How do you apply a 1958 Act in a 21st century economy?”

The expert dismissed as unfounded the fear of job loss that may have dissuaded the management of the Nigeria Railway Corporation from tapping onto unbundling the firm, noting that jobs will be created just as promotes efficiency in the sector.