Lack of Maintenance responsible for Abuja -Kaduna train breakdown – Amaechi.

The breakdown experience by the train service on the standard gauge between Abuja and Kaduna is due to lack of spare parts for maintenance of the train. 

Minister of Transportation, Honourable Rotimi Amaechi said this while speaking to newsmen after inspecting the train stations between Apapa in Lagos and Ibadan.

The Minister who was a bit worried about the train breakdown said the spare parts ordered from China have not arrived appealing to those who ply  the route to be patient with the Nigerian Railway Corporation.

He said president Muhammad  Buhari has already approved procurement of the spare parts, while in the meantime the spare parts for the Lagos Ibadan Service could be deployed.

On his assessment of the Lagos Ibadan Service, Amaechi said he was satisfied with the quality of work at the railway stations most of which are almost completed except Olodo station which is at an advanced stage.

According to Amaechi 42 thousands passengers were carried in the month of June.

Meanwhile the Minister said the Nigerian Railway Corporation should increase the daily trips to and fro to eight.

He said more trips would be approved  when the signal and communication system are completed.

The Minister took time to inspect the stations. He said it became necessary as it was discovered that some minor jobs are yet to be completed

Some of the passengers met at the Chief Obafemi Awolowo station in Ibadan expressed satisfaction with the quality of service between the Ibadan and Lagos axis.

Mr Johnson Owolabi said the waiting halls are comfortable as well as the inside of the train which make the journey to be comfortable.

Deputy Director public relations of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Mallam Yakubu Mahmood told our correspondent that the corporation expects more people to patronise the Lagos Ibadan train service due to the quality of service.

Mallam Mahmood said the quality of service could not be compared with motor transportation which he said is stressful.

The comfortable train which is delight to Nigerians.

The Minister is optimistic of  government constructing the Port Harcourt and Kano rail services . Meanwhile, the Minister has assured the workers of enhanced salary and emoluments as he will dialogue with the workers union on better wages.

Afolabi