The Ministry of Transportation has indicated interest to partner with the Kaduna State Government to upgrade and expand the Nation’s transportation network by improving connectivity and accessibility, thereby, boosting the Nation’s economy.
The Minister of Transportation, Senator Said Ahmed Alkali, made the disclosure while responding to the offer made by the Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, to partner with the Ministry, when he paid a courtesy call on the Minister in Abuja recently.
In alignment with the “Renewed Hope Agenda” set forth by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Administration in the transportation sector, the Minister said: “The Ministry is working hard to ensure that we deliver the Kaduna to Kano segment of the railway modernisation project by next year, as well as that of Kano to Maradi with a branch line to Dutse”.
He emphasised that all hands must be on deck to give Nigerians the dividends of democracy, adding that, a committee will be inaugurated next week to ensure timely delivery of the development of the light – rail project in Kaduna State.
The Minister, therefore, directed the Director overseeing the office of the Permanent Secretary, Musa Ibrahim, to set up the committee with immediate effect, comprising the Federal Ministry of Transportation, the Nigerian Railway Corporation and the Kaduna State Government to quickly work on the construction of the light – rail project. and submit a report within two weeks.
Alkali, while commending the Kaduna State Governor for his developmental strides in the State within a short period of time, assured him that the Ministry will continue to collaborate with the government and the good people of Kaduna State to ensure timely delivery of all railway modernization projects.
In his words: “I give you the assurance that the Ministry will continue to collaborate with the sub-nationals to ensure the development of the rail transportation in the country.
According to him, ” Transportation is the gateway of the nation’s economy. There is no way any nation can fix its GDP without getting an affordable transportation sector”.
Earlier, the Governor of Kaduna state said he was in the Ministry to seek collaboration for an improved transport sector in the state, pointing out that, the Minister since inception has repositioned the transport sector.
Gov. Sani disclosed that Kaduna State transport sector has greatly improved, adding that, 5 months ago, the State launched a Bus Trust toTransportation (BRT) as well as launching 100 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses, which according to him, will go a long way in alleviating the transport issues in the state, pointing out that Kaduna State today, is one of the states leading in the area of transportation.
Speaking further, Governor Sani revealed that to support the smooth implementation of the Kaduna state master plan on transportation, Mr. President provided a sum of 100 billion Naira in the 2025 budget for the construction of the Kaduna Light -Rail Transit.
Janet McDickson Noah
Director Information & PR
