Mr. Fidet Okhiria, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), is set to undergo disciplinary measures due to alleged mismanagement and operational discrepancies on the popular Abuja-Kaduna train service.
Okhiria and his management team are slated to meet with Transportation Minister Saidu Alkali at the Bukar Dipcharima House in Abuja. The meeting aims to shed light on the activities of the railway, Nigeria’s oldest public corporation.
Transport Minister Alkali revealed the decision to hold Okhiria accountable following his unannounced visit to the Abuja Train Station of the Abuja-Kaduna Train Service (AKTS). This flagship standard gauge service commenced commercial operations in 2017.
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Citing ongoing complaints of train delays, safety issues, and passenger dissatisfaction, Minister Alkali emphasized that Okhiria must personally address these concerns and adequately explain his performance to avoid disciplinary actions.
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Alkali stated, “It is out of a desire to achieve the agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Renewed Hope. So from the experience when the visit is scheduled they’ll be able to put some of the things in place because they are aware you are coming to see.
“So, seeing is believing, as I have seen by myself. I inspected the coaches. Some of the toilet facilities are not working.
“I received a complaint from the security escorts that in the last five months their allowances were not paid and I am happy that the MD of NRC is appearing before the ministry on Tuesday to brief. So, if he comes I am now well informed the lifts and escalators aren’t working, which makes it very difficult for the elderly and the disabled persons to use the train for travelling.
“Therefore, he would explain why disciplinary action wouldn’t be taken against him,” the minister stressed”, he said.
The minister’s visit aims to ensure President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda is realized. Alkali plans to address issues on various fronts, including the status of NRC subsidiaries like the Nigerian Railway Corporation Property Management Services Limited (NRCPMSL), a significant property holding firm.
During the meeting, Okhiria will provide details on the nation’s interaction with ChinaExim Bank, responsible for facilitating the loan used to procure the Lagos-Kano Standard Gauge, a key rail network. The completion of the Lagos-Ibadan segment of this project under the Muhammadu Buhari administration in 2021 is noteworthy.
Alkali also outlined his swift action plan to revitalize the railway services. He assured the public that escalators will be repaired and lifts will be operational within the next 48 hours. The minister’s efforts signal a commitment to improving Nigeria’s railway system for a more efficient and satisfactory travel experience.
