Train Attack: NRC lost N351m in Revenue over six months
Engr. Fidet Okhiria, Managing Director of Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), has stated that the Corporation lost an estimated N351 million in ticket sales revenue between March and August 2022 as a result of the terrorist attack on the Abuja-Kaduna bound passenger train on March 28, which resulted in the suspension of train service.
While describing the attack as sad, he added that government officials are working nonstop to make sure the last few kidnapped victims are safely released.
According to him, “the federal government has set up a committee headed by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Macdalin Ajani, with other members drawn from the relevant agencies to recommend a lasting solution that will enhance the safety of passengers on board trains along the railway lines especially the Abuja-Kaduna railway corridor so as to forestall future reoccurrence.”
The head of the NRC also said that the government is investigating the idea of using cutting-edge technology, such as drones, to find criminal groups.
Okhiria further mentioned that four employees of the company are still being held captive by terrorists, advising the families of the victims to be patient.
He exhorted Nigerians to save the nation’s railway infrastructure because, in the long term, it will boost the economy by making it less expensive to transport goods and people. In addition, he noted that the passenger train service between Lagos and Ibadan is still very much in operation and that passenger flow along the railway corridor between the two cities has increased.
He stated that after the roadways connecting the freight stations must have been completed, arrangements are in place for the evacuation of freight on the new standard gauge railway line from Apapa port to Kajola, Abeokuta, and Moniya train stations to start operations by November of this year.
RECOMMENDED ARTICLES
Comment
No comments found.