*approves N1.5bn for train spare parts, crane repairs
Minister of Transportation, Muazu Sambo, on Wednesday declared that it would be insensitive to the plight of families whose loved ones are still in captivity of abductors if the government recommenced the Abuja-Kaduna train services for now.
Besides, government is looking at the best options in terms of the security surveillance for the route, including concessioning it in a public private partnership arrangement, he said.
Over 50 passengers were kidnapped by terrorists who attacked a train on that route last March, during which eight others were killed.
Although more than 20 of the passengers abducted have regained their freedom, family members of the victims have asked the federal government not to recommence the train services unless all the captives are released.
The Minister made government position known while briefing correspondents at the end of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
According to him, two core matters remain at the heart of the Abuja-Kaduna train services, and these include families traumatised over their members still in captivity of terrorists and the need to have surveillance facilities to monitor the tracks.
Commenting on a definite timeline when the initiative would be executed, Muazu said: “If I give a timeline, I’ll be lying to you. It will be insensitive to restart the service if some families weep day and night over their members still in the bush.”
He said the government was mindful of the cost involved but should be able to report definite progress in about a month’s time.
Meanwhile, the FEC approved the sum of N1,491,065,722.72 billion for the procurement of spare parts and repairs of a critical crane for the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC).
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Muhammed Bello, also disclosed that the Council okayed the sum of N718.4 million for the security and surveillance of the 45-kilometre Abuja light rail tracks and stations.
No Comments