President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday commissioned the Abuja- Kaduna rail services.
Speaking at the train’s main station at Idu, Abuja, President Buhari said the Federal Government would link all states and commercial centres in the country with rail lines.
His words: “The construction of the Abuja-Kaduna Standard Gauge rail track commenced in 2009 and happily, sixteen years after, we are on the threshold of presenting to Nigerians a Standard Gauge Railway Train Service that will be safe, fast and reliable. The Abuja-Kaduna train service will provide the much needed alternative transport link between the Federal Capital Territory and Kaduna State, a corridor which has a huge potential for industries, agricultural activities and a growing labour force.
“The Minister of Transportation, Chief Rotimi Amaechi and his team have put great efforts in the last few months to ensure the successful completion of this project under this Administration. Completion and Commissioning of this project is indeed in keeping with our vision of bringing about the desired change to make life easier for the generality of Nigerians through the development and provision of the necessary social and physical infrastructure.
“In this regard, I wish to assure Nigerians that most State capitals and major commercial and production centres will be linked with railway system as a way of bringing about rapid socio-economic development and improving the quality of life of the Nigerians and promoting social & regional integration.”
Buhari also reiterated the commitment of his administration to pursue with greater vigour and determination rehabilitation and construction of other rail lines including the major Lagos-Calabar and Kano-Lagos lines.
The President later took a train ride from Idu to Kubwa, a suburb of Abuja.
Senate President Bukola Saraki and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, led the National Assembly delegation to the commissioning.
