BY ETISANG J. VICTOR
It was a pleasant evening spent with my friends in one of our gardens in Port Harcourt, contemplating the logistics of traveling to Aba by road for the funeral of a friend in a village near Aba. It was during this contemplation that I overheard someone mentioning, for the first time, the introduction of a commercial train service from Port Harcourt to Aba. This news came as a pleasant surprise, as I am well aware of the challenges and discomfort associated with traveling on the deteriorating road between the two cities. Upon further inquiry, I learned that the train service will be inaugurated by the Federal Minister of Transportation, Sen. Saidu Ahmed Alkali. The prospect of having access to a reliable and efficient mode of transportation such as a train was a source of great excitement, especially considering the long-standing deprivation of such infrastructure by our political leaders.
Traveling to other countries and seeing trains running smoothly can make one question why the same is not happening in Nigeria. Although I was unable to take the train to Aba in the morning due to the timing for the burial and government bureaucracy during ceremonies – I later learned the train leave PH for Aba in the afternoon when we were already busy with burial programs that day was the first time I became interested in the current leadership of the Federal Ministry of Transportation, especially Sen. Saidu Ahmed Alkali. However, I HAD to ensure that I utilized the train for my return journey to Port Harcourt a few days later.
The train system is a significant mode of transportation that can enhance vacations and provide individuals with opportunities for leisure travel. Not all Nigerians can afford air travel, but middle-class workers can easily travel using train tickets. Just imagine utilizing a portion of your annual leave to embark on a two-week journey from Ph to Lagos, then Lagos to Kano, and further on to Sokoto or Maiduguri via train tickets. This type of exploration can allow many Nigerians to gain a deeper understanding of our diverse country. These are the types of essential yet unattainable resources that ordinary Nigerians have long sought since gaining independence.
Upon developing interest in Senator Said Ahmed Alkali, I have noticed that the current Minister of Transportation has been actively holding Railway Contractors accountable. Since assuming office, he has efficiently overseen the swift commissioning of the transportation of containers from the Apapa terminal in Lagos to alleviate congestion at the Port. Furthermore, he has successfully completed and commissioned the Port Harcourt to Aba old gauge railway for commercial activities as part of the Port Harcourt Maiduguri corridor. Another significant corridor that has been prioritized is the Lagos to Kano old gauge railway for freight transportation. The minister has ensured the rehabilitation of this corridor, resulting in approximately 18 40ft containers traveling from Kano to Lagos and vice versa on a daily basis. This system effectively reduces the need for numerous long trucks, thus positively impacting economic activities between regions. Many times, our leaders fail to recognize that contractors, including those from foreign countries, may be hesitant if the supervising authority does not hold them accountable. According to the Minister of Transportation, the Kano to Daura standard gauge railway will be finalized by the conclusion of the upcoming year, with a section to Dutse, the capital of Jigawa state, expected to be completed by 2026. Additionally, the Daura to Maradi line in Niger is hoped to be finished by the same year. If, as the Minister indicated, the Kaduna to Kano line will soon be finished once the necessary funds are allocated, this implies that once the Ibadan to Abuja line is completed – Something I am sure even President Tinubu will insist before the end of his first tenure, there will be a connection from Lagos to Maradi for freight transport under standard gauge. The growth of economic activities in this corridor is expected to be substantial.
These completions and commissionings represent tangible and practical initiatives that have been successfully executed. I am especially enthusiastic about the progress in the railway sector under the current administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu. It is evident that the government is committed to continuity, but the significant achievements in the last year would not have been possible without a dedicated leader at the helm of the Ministry of Transportation. While I refrain from discussing other sectors of the economy, it is important to acknowledge that the challenges and uncertainties facing Nigeria have overshadowed the impressive advancements in the railway sector. As a result, the government may not receive full recognition for its accomplishments.
It is crucial for the current administration to prioritize the completion of the aforementioned ongoing projects. If, by the end of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s tenure, he is able to successfully connect Lagos to Abuja, Kaduna to Kano to Daura and Dutse, and then to Maradi, it would leave a lasting legacy that will be remembered.
Our leaders should strive to establish legacies that demonstrate true patriotism and dedicate themselves to excellence while in power. Despite the fact that the project began before the current administration, we in the South South region will always appreciate Sen. Said Ahmed Alkali for his role in the commissioning of the Port Harcourt to Aba commercial rail line. The impact it has had on ordinary Nigerians in this area is truly remarkable. In the past year, the Minister of Transportation has demonstrated that under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, there exists a level of meritocracy that transcends political diversity. It is evident that a more prosperous society is one in which individuals are appointed based on merit, unwavering dedication, focus, and sincere patriotism. Despite challenges, it is our collective duty as citizens to recognize and appreciate the efforts of public servants, expressing gratitude for their commitment to our nation.
Etisang writes from Port Harcourt
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