News Agency of Nigeria
FG urged to link Warri-Itakpe rail to inland ports, road networks

FG urged to link Warri-Itakpe rail to inland ports, road networks

156 total views today

By Reporters

Stakeholders in the transportation sector have called on the Federal Government to link the Warri-Itakpe standard gauge rail line to inland ports and road networks to create seamless multimodal transport system.

They made the call while responding to a national survey conducted by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on the state of railway lines in the country.

Inaugurated for commercial operation in Sept. 2020, after more than three decades delay, the 326km Itakpe-Ajaokuta-Warri standard gauge rail line currently connects Warri in Delta State to Itakpe in Kogi State.

The rail line was originally designed to transport iron ore and coal from Itakpe to Ajaokuta Steel Mill and Aladja Steel Rolling Mills in Delta.

Since its inauguration, the rail line has  facilitated the movement of goods and passengers between the southern and northern parts of Nigeria.

Speaking with NAN in Lokoja, Mr Shittu Adams, a retired Director in Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC), said the railway line should be integrated with existing waterway and road networks, along the corridor, to create seamless transport system.

Adams said the integration of the rail line would facilitate more efficient cargo and passenger transportation and enhance trade, economic growth, and overall connectivity.

He said that the integration would allow for seamless transfer of goods between the railway and the waterway transportation system in the region.

Adams also urged the federal government to integrate the rail line with existing road networks, particularly in Warri and other key locations, to ensure efficient transfer of goods and passengers to and from the rail line.

The director decried the high level of bureaucracy and poor governance leading to inefficient management and lack of transparency in the management of the rail infrastructure.

He said that the challenges contributed to the delays and underperformance of services rendered along the corridor.

Adams also faulted the outdated signaling systems, ticketing processes, and operational logistics which, according to him, are affecting speed and efficiency of the rail operations.

“There is the need for training and retraining of personnel in modern rail operations to enhance efficiency and safety.

“I will also suggest long-term and consistent government policies, that will attract investment and provide a clear direction for rail sector growth in general,” he said.

He urged the federal government to provide a clear and enabling regulatory framework that would encourage private investment and ensures safety standards in the railway operations.

Speaking in the same veins, Mr Taiye Bolaji, the Director Road Maintenance, Kogi State Ministry of Works, said the Warri-Itakpe rail line, like most others, connects only a few major cities and do not reach key agricultural or industrial hubs.

He said the Warri-Itakpe rail line has not connected the Lokoja metropolis and Obajana,  where Dangote Cement Plant and Mangal Cement Plant are located.

Bolaji, therefore, advocated  the expansion of the rail network to connect key agricultural zones, seaports, mining areas, and industrial cluster, in order to improve the  movement of raw materials and finished goods.

He appealed to the federal government to expedite the extension of the railway line to Lokoja,  Kogi state capital and a home to an inland port, for seamless transfer of goods and people.

Bolaji said that, from Lokoja, the rail line should be extended to Abuja, thereby connecting the northern part of the country to the southern region.

According to him, the integrated transportation system will boost economic activities, reduce  transportation costs, and create new opportunities.

Dr Simeon Omakoji, former Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) Chairman in Kogi, said the major challenges facing railway transport in Nigeria are corruption and inability to factor regular maintenance.

Omakoji,  the incumbent Chairman, Kogi East Security Neighborhood Watch, advocated for improved maintenance culture, e-ticketing and more transparent financial management in the railway operations.

He stressed the need for people to invest in the railway system, while the government develop the political will to make the system work effectively.

Another stakeholder, Mr Ukwunetu Samuel-Ali, said Nigeria’s rail infrastructure used to be a symbol of prosperity and connectedness.

He said the rail infrastructure was, however, for many years, subjected to neglect and under investment resulting in vandalism and encroachment of tracks and other infrastructure.

Samuel-Ali, therefore, urged the federal government to sustain the initiative to revitalise and modernise the rail network across the country. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Mohammed Baba Busu/ Rotimi Ijikanmi

Rail transport on Warri-Itakpe corridor safe, operational – NRC

Rail transport on Warri-Itakpe corridor safe, operational – NRC

250 total views today

Train

By Chiazo Ogbolu

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) says the rail transport on Warri-Itakpe (WITS) corridor is safe and operational.

The Ag. Deputy Director, Public Relations, NRC, Mr Callistus Unyimadu, said this, in a statement, in Lagos.

“The attention of the NRC has been drawn to a widely circulated social media massage warning the public to avoid train travel, particularly along Warri – Itakpe rail corridor.

“The message, accompanied by a short video showing removed rail clips, falsely claims that rail transport is currently unsafe and urges passengers to cancel travel plans.

“We wish to categorically state that this information is misleading and unfounded,” he said.

Unyimadu noted that the identified incident, which involved the temporary removal of some rail clips at a specific location on the corridor, was promptly detected during routine inspection and was immediately rectified by NRC maintenance team.

“All necessary safety and operational protocols were strictly followed to ensure that no threat was posed to passengers or the integrity of the train operations.

“Indeed, the Warri-Itakpe train (WITS) has successfully passed through affected section without any incident, further confirming the safety of the route,” he said.

He pointed out that the NRC remained committed to the highest standards of safety and security in all its operations.

He added that NRC tracks and rolling stock are under constant surveillance and maintenance and NRC personnel are fully equipped to address any issues that may arise in real time.

“We, therefore, urge the public to disregard the viral message and continue to use our train services with full confidence.

“Any attempt to spread fear or discourage the use of rail transport undermines the progress being made in the sector and should be condemned.

“Train services on the Warri-Itakpe corridor and all other NRC corridors remain safe, reliable and fully operational.

“For official update and travel advisory, we encourage passengers to rely only on verified NRC communication channels,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joe Idika

X
Welcome to NAN
Need help? Choose an option below and let me be your assistant.
Email SubscriptionSite SearchSend Us Email