Subsidy Removal: FG, Kaduna, partner on rail mass transit

The Federal Government has assured the Kaduna State Government of its support as it plans to embark on the introduction of rail mass transit scheme.

The move, according to the state, is aimed at cushioning transportation challenges caused by the removal of fuel subsidy.

The Minister of Transportation, Sen. Saidu Alkali gave his assurance during a visit to him in Abuja by an 8-man delegation from Kaduna State led by Kaduna State Commissioner for Education, Prof Muhammed Bello.

In a statement by the media aide to the minister, Moh’d Yidikawu, the minister commended the Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, for his initiative and for prioritising viable means of transportation.

The minister, while promising to give the initiative necessary support it deserves, added that he would partake at every level of discussion that will enable the scheme commence.

He further said that the initiative was timely and in line with President Tinubu’s charge to state governors to proffer palliative measures to cushion the effects of the fuel subsidy removal on Nigerians.

Alkali urged other state governors to also emulate the initiative.

Earlier, the Kaduna State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Bello, said the reason for the visit was to acquaint and solicit the minister’s support on the project.

Bello noted that the rail mass transit initiative has the potential to better the lot of the people, adding that it could also boost state’s revenue.

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Engr. Fidet Okhiria, informed the Minister that Kaduna and Plateau states have reached out to its management and indicated interest in commencing the scheme as a way of cushioning the effects of subsidy removal.

The Minister directed the constitution of a Technical Committee, consisting of the Federal Ministry of Transportation, Nigeria Railway Corporation and the Kaduna State Government, with a timeline of five days to produce a Memorandum of Understanding.