The House of Representatives has urged the ministry of budget and economic planning to earmark funds for rehabilitation of the Zaria-Funtua-Gusau-Kauran Namoda rail line in the 2025 budget estimate.
The House also directed its committee on land transport to interface with the management of Nigerian Railway Corporation to address the deplorable state of railway infrastructure, especially the Zaria-Funtua-Gusau-Kauran-Namoda rail line.
This is part of the resolution taken after deliberations on a motion moved by Dalhatu Shehu Tafoki representing Faskari/Kankara/Sabuwa federal constituency of Katsina State and seven others.
While moving the motion, Tafoki said the rail line was one of the oldest in Nigeria, having been established in 1926.
He said the rail line which serves as a link to Kaduna, Katsina and Zamfara states had been in a state of disrepair.
He said since railway is globally recognised as a safe and reliable transportation method, facilitating the easy conveyance of goods, cargo, and raw materials, there was the need to rehabilitate the rail line.
Tafoki said the repair was necessary because of the fact that efficient rail transport connects remote areas with urban centres, facilitates trade, generates economic growth, and creates jobs for the population.
He expressed concern that despite the huge population and the economic activities in Kaduna and environs, the Zaria- Funtua-Gusau-Kauran Namoda rail line is currently not functional.
He lamented the inefficient management of Nigerian Railway Corporation’s rail-line infrastructure, noting that rehabilitating the Zaria–Funtua–Gusau–Kauran Namoda rail line would reduce fatalities, boost commercial activities and reduce transportation costs for commuters, travellers, traders, farmers and artisans.
