Ministry, BON To Combat Rail Infrastructure Vandalism

Federal government has embraced a collaboration with the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON) to tackle vandalism in the transportation sector, particularly the infrastructure of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC).

At a meeting held in Abuja, the minister of transportation, Senator Said Alkali, revealed the government’s acceptance of the BON proposal.

The initiative aims to utilise media platforms to raise awareness and encourage citizens to report incidents of vandalism, thereby safeguarding public infrastructure.

The minister, who was represented by the permanent secretary, Oloruntola Olufemi, stressed the pivotal role the media can play in combating vandalism and urged BON to join forces with the ministry in this endeavor.

Alkali highlighted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to commence all public events with the national pledge, aiming to foster a stronger sense of citizenship and commitment to nationhood among Nigerians.

He, therefore, urged the media to help to redirect people’s attention to the spirit of commitment to nationhood.

The minister responded to the critics of the recent memorandum of understanding (MoU) he signed on the Port Harcourt-Calabar-Enugu-Abuja standard rail project.

Alkali said he is committed and passionate about his job, adding that he is open to the best advice.

Earlier, Akiotu stated that BON is the umbrella body of all broadcast media outfits – both public and private in the Federal Republic of Nigeria; adding that the primary assignment of BON is to coordinate and serve as a rallying point for members and to represent, promote and advance their interest and skills.

“It is also to serve as an advisory body and consultative forum to the Federal and State Governments and other stakeholders on broadcasting matters among others,” he said.

Akiotu stated that the aim of the visit to the Ministry of Transportation was to discuss how to use the media, most especially the platform of BON to curb vandalism of critical infrastructure of the Federal Ministry of Transportation, most especially those of the Nigerian Railways Corporation.