Federal Government has disclosed plans to construct
seven rail lines in addition to the existing and rehabilitated gauges, just as
it reassured on the completion of the ongoing rehabilitation of Port
Harcourt-Maiduguri rail line by end of year 2013.
Idris Umar, Minister of Transport gave the hint
while inaugurating the board of Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) headed by
Abubakar Baraje, former acting Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Umar explained that the feasibility studies on the
additional seven rail lines project would be completed by September, 2013,
adding that “the result of which will be advertised for potential investors for
their development under the Public Private Partnership (PPP).”
Umar added that the construction of
Itakpe-Ajaokuta-Warri and Abuja-Kaduna standard gauge lines are expected to be
on track next year.
Idris noted that the present administration had
embarked on actualizing a 25-year plan to resuscitate and revitalize the
nation’s railways system, including railway system transition, modernization as
well as system stabilization.
Speaking on the review of NRC Act, Umar said the
Bill has been approved by the National Council on Privatization but to be
presented to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for further endorsement.
However, he tasked the newly inaugurated board to
adhere to the performance agreement and ensure projects are delivered as when
due.
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