Transforming Railway Is Jonathan’s Priority – Tukur

Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, Chairman, Board of Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), has assured Nigerians that transforming railway system was President Goodluk Jonathan’s topmost priority.

Tukur said this in an interview with journalists shortly after inspecting railway facilities during a familiarisation tour to the Railway Northern District in Kaduna on Wednesday.

He said: “President Goodluck Jonathan had intensified efforts toward transforming the railway system to give it a new and dynamic face.

“With the determination of Mr President, board, management and the entire staff we will rebuild an enviable railway system in Nigeria.”

According to him, Nigerians should expect a new, vibrant, dynamic and consistent railway system very soon.

He said revitalising the railway system would facilitate job creation, boost business activities and strengthen bond of relationship among Nigerians.

Addressing railway workers earlier, Tukur charged them to be committed to their duties to complement the tireless efforts of the Federal Government toward rebuilding a new railway system.

On workers’ agitation for salary increase, the chairman promised that the board would look into the possibility of raising their salaries to boost their morale.

Earlier, the Railway District Manager (RDM), Northern District, Mr Akinwale Akintola, said Kaduna junction was symbolic to NRC because it was the hub of many passengers and freight services.

He said the NRC in collaboration with Kaduna State Government was presently running “four single directions daily intra-city train services” under public private partnership arrangement.

“The train cumulatively runs 24 train services per week and 96 trains per month, respectively,” he said.

He said in view of the successful delivery of the existing intra-city services, the “diesel multiple unit” has been proposed to be launched as additional intra-city for a segmented service in the state. [NAN]