Niger to Revive Rail Transportation, Says Governor Bago

Laleye Dipo in Minna

In a bid to ease the pressure on the roads in some parts of the state, the Niger State Government is to revive rail transportation in parts of the state.

Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago dropped the hint in Minna while exchanging views with National Officers of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria IPMAN at government house.

Bago told the delegation that negotiations has already begun with the Nigerian Railway Corporation, NRC, for the reopening of the rail lines from Minna to Beji, Minna to Akere, Minna to Mokwa and Minna to Makera.

A statement on the visit by Bologi Ibrahim, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, stated that revitalisation of the rail lines will lead to the refurbishment of rail tanks that can be used by members of IPMAN for the transportation of petroleum products to various parts of the state without necessarily using the roads

While the plans will soon materialize, Governor Bago reportedly told the organisation to acquire lands along these corridors and construct houses and offices for their members and workers.

The governor ruled out the possibility of reopening the Minna-Bida and Lapai to Paiko roads to protect the roads which are presently under construction.

The governor disclosed that the state government plans to construct toll gates and weigh bridges on the roads, including the Bida Ring Road, when completed to manage traffic and ensure compliance with weight regulations on the roads.

The National President of IPMAN, Alhaji Abubakar Maigandi Garima, who led the delegation said the visit was to appreciate the governor for his developmental strides across the state, describing the achievements recorded “as remarkable” and assured him of the association’s support towards the growth and development of the state.

Maigandi Garima had used the forum to appeal to the governor to consider the reopening of the Lapai-Paiko and Minna-Bida roads that have been blocked for articulated vehicles, explaining that the blockage has made transporting their products and herculean task.

The Chairman, IPMAN Minna Depot, Adamu Erena, and one of the members of the association, Abdullahi Sarkin Turke, in their separate remarks, applauded the governor’s transformation agenda in the state, saying a good road network is one of the major factors that boost their business and also improve socio-economic activities in a society.

They also pledged their continued support to the success of the Bago-led administration.