The Federal Government spent more than N24.3 billion on the rehabilitation of railway track from Lagos to Kano.

The Managing Director of the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC),Mr Adeseyi Sijuwade, made this known in Kano on Sunday.

He said that 488 km Lagos-Jebba was rehabilitated at N12.1billion, while the 638 km Jebba-Kano costN12.2 billion.

He said that the projects were completed within the 2012 budget and commended President Goodluck Jonathan, for approving the request of the corporation.

Sijuwade told newsmen that the corporation was planning to introduce air-conditioned train system in 2013.

``By 2013 plan, there will be modern air-conditioned coaches on the track.
``There will be no cause for alarm security wise because the corporation will ensure the safety of lives and property of the passengers.
``We have just completed 30-hours journey from Lagos by rail down to Kano, passing all the major cities and state capitals between Lagos and Kano,’’ he said.

He called on Nigerians to patronise the rail system to move their goods from Apapa to others parts of the country.

NAN recalled that on Dec 21, the NRC commenced the inter-city train service from Lagos-Kano.

The train service, which started on weekly basis, from Lagos to Kano, would depart Iddo Terminal from 9 am every Friday, and Kano station from 9 am every Monday. (NAN)

http://www.nanngronline.com/section/general/fg-spends-n243bn-on-rehabilitation-of-railway-track-md

Trains offer affordable transportation for many in this oil-rich but impoverished nation. However, most long-distance passengers travel in piteous conditions.

A car of the inaugural Kano-bound train was packed, with people struggling for seating space and cool air.

"If not for poverty, I would have taken the bus," said Michael Olaoluwa Peters, a 36-year-old soccer player.
His trip to the southern city of Abeokuta would have cost him the equivalent of N621, but cost only N155 by train. The price difference is even greater for those going all the way to Kano.

Anna Joda, 35, a petty trader, traveled with her four children, between ages 2 and 8, to spend the holidays with her in-laws in Kano while her husband stayed back in Lagos. She stood in the aisle, her toddler wrapped around her back while her three children shared two seats.

"I chose the train because I thought there'd be more leg room," she said.
The railway project hopes to alleviate the burden on Nigeria's poorly maintained road network.

However, much still needs to be done before the train becomes a preferred mode of transportation for those who can afford to travel by road or even air.

"Some people slept at the station last night and they still did not get a seat. The service is poor, very poor," said Peters as he held the car door for support after hearing a whistle signaling departure from Lagos.

http://m.naij.com/news/17788.html

Nigerian politicians enriching themselves, they spend more to achieve nothing

Good development.

Rail transport system would really alleviate some of the sufferings and inconveniences encountered on the roads.