Following the release of the last batch of hostages, the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Malam Muhammad Musa Bello disclosed that Abuja to Kaduna rail service will commence operations soon.
The minister stated this during a meeting with senior officials of the China Civil Engineering and Construction Corporation (CCECC) at the Operation Control Centre (OCC) of the rail system at Idu, Abuja.
Abuja to Kaduna standard gauge rail is one of the rail networks in Nigeria. Others include Lagos to Ibadan and Warri to Itakpe.
According to a statement released after the meeting, the minister noted that several measures had been put in place to ensure the security of the entire length of the light rail system ahead of the resumption of operations.
“For the security of Abuja rail mass transit, it is guaranteed. When we resume operations, everybody can travel safely,” the minister was quoted.
In August 2022, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved a sum of N718.19 million to two security outfits with the responsibility to protect the 45-kilometre Abuja rail tracks and stations across the rail network.
The two security outfits are Messers Al-Ahali Security Guards Limited and Messers Seaguard Security and Protective Company Limited.
“I presented a memo at the Federal Executive Council meeting of today, and the council approved a contract for the provision of security services for the Abuja Light Rail Mass Transit System,” the FCT minister stated at the end of the FEC meeting.
Investors King earlier reported that Nigeria lost up to N531 million monthly on the Abuja to Kaduna rail service.
The money which would have been made from the sale of tickets was lost due to the suspension of the train service.
It would be recalled that in March, the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) suspended its Abuja-Kaduna train operations after some gunmen planted explosives on the rail track and attacked passengers.
Also speaking at the meeting, the permanent secretary of FCTA, noted that a lot of high-powered decisions have been reached which will fasten the resumption of the train service.