Minister Backs Kaduna Metropolitan Rail Mass Transit Scheme

The minister of transportation, Sen. Saidu Ahmed 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 to alleviate transportation challenges occasioned by the fuel subsidy removal.

Sen. Alkali who made this disclosure during a courtesy visit by a delegation from the Kaduna State government to the ministry in Abuja stated that the ingenuity of the Kaduna State governor, Uba Sani, to place primacy on viable means of transportation should be commended and given the necessary support it deserves.

Special adviser to the minister on media, Moh’d Ahmed Yidikawu, said in a statement that the minister gave assurances of the ministry’s support and his interest to partake at every level of discussion that would enable the scheme commence.

Speaking further, Alkali noted that the initiative was timely as it was in consonance with the president’s charge to state governors to proffer palliative measures to cushion the effects of petroleum subsidy removal on Nigerians. This is even as he urged other state governors to take a cue from this initiative.”

Earlier, the leader of the delegation and Kaduna State commissioner for education, Prof. Muhammed Sani Bello, stated that the reason for the visit was to acquaint and solicit for the minister’s support on the project, stating 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.

Also speaking at the event, the managing director, Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Engr. Fidet Okhiria, informed the minister that Kaduna and Plateau states had approached the management of NRC and indicated interest to commence the programme as a way of cushioning the effects subsidy following the high rise in transportation cost.