Removal of Nigerian Railway Corporation, NRC from Exclusive to Concurrent list by 9th Assembly has stimulated interests in partnership with Nigerian Railway Corporation by some states, local governments and corporate organizations.
The bill allows states to purchase rolling stocks and locomotive engines to operate their trains while NRC focuses on construction, and maintainance of tracks as well as regulation of partners.
While proponents of the bill posited that unbundling of NRC to attract partners to participate in rail sector ohters believe that training and competency tests must be carried out on personnel and equipment before allowing states and private investors to run trains.
Speaking at maiden lecture of “Endowed Professorial Chair On Transport and Logistics” held recently at Lagos State University, Managing Director of the corporation, Engr. Fidet Okhiria said NRC has developed a track access framework that enables third parties (Investors) to procure and deploy their rolling stocks on National Railway network.
He pointed out that presently the corporation has granted “track access” to Lagos state to operate commercial train service from Oyingbo to Agbado and back for a token.
Okhiria noted that prior to passage of the National Transportation Bill by 9th assembly, the Federal Capital Territory Administration Lagos state government and Rivers had taken initiative to construct standard gauge railway lines (light rail) from Abuja City to Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport and Mile 2 to Marina in lagos respectively even as that of Rivers is yet to commence operation.
In a paper presentation titled; “From Exclusive Clause To Concurrent List: Potency For Sustainable Rail Infrastructure Development In Nigeria And Lagos State Example”, he stated that already Ogun State government has shown interest in the extension of interstate commercial mass transit from Agbado to Abeokuta on the standard gauge railway line.
Okhiria also said, Niger state government has indicated willingness to partner with the corporation so as to enhance evacuation of bulky goods within the state by rail instead of road.
While calling on other states to emulate Lagos in the procurement of rolling stocks/Locomotive engines and construction of rail tracks where necessary he disclosed that Kaduna and Plateau state have indicated interest to partner with the corporation in train operation.
Okhiria noted that currently the corporation is carrying out competency test on the equipment and personnel of Lagos state preparatory to the commencement of commercial train service from Oyingbo to Agbado.
But Mr. Eric Umezurike, managing director First Rit Nigeria Limited held a contrary view saying, “the process of purchasing rolling stocks/locomotive engines and recruitment of personnel by private investors and states could be compromised and politicised respectively”.
He said that railway operation is highly technical and should not be left in the purview of politicians to handle otherwise there may be accidents.
According to him interested states and investor should be compelled to engage independent ex-railway personnel recommended by management of NRC to recruit staff and test-run rolling stocks and locomotive engines before operating the trains.
In her own perspective, Vice-Chancellor, Lagos State University, Professor Ibiyemi Tunji-Bello represented by Professor Adenike Omotunde Boyo said that removal of Nigerian Railway Corporation from exclusive to concurrent list will empower the states to invest in transportation especially railways.
She also commended Lagos state government for the completion and commencement of daily commercial train service from Mile 2 to Marina and back.
According to her the Professorial Chair Trust Fund was created to stimulate research and discuss as it affects transportation in the country and Lagos state in particular.
Professor Bamidele Badejo, said the paper presentation has brought to fore vast opportunities inherent in removal of railways from the exclusive to concurrent list.
Badejo who is the Professorial Chair, noted that many states and local governments are not even aware that the National Transportation Bill has been passed into law.
Still on train service, the NRC boss pointed out that the corporation operates four daily standard gauge passenger trains from Lagos-Ibadan and back while freight trains operate at regular intervals.
He also disclosed that cargo depots have been created at Ibadan, Abeokuta, Itori and Ijoko to reduce the number of trucks coming into Apapa port thereby reducing congestion at the port.
The managing director explained further that “Based on agreement with the consignees, imports will be evacuated from Apapa Port to designated container depots for onward transfer by road to their various destinations.
Regarding Abuja-Kaduna Train, (AKT) he stressed that the operation was designed for passenger traffic and since its commissioning in 2016, passengers have continued to patronise the service.
According to him, the 277 kilometres standard gauge railway line from Itakpe through Ajaokuta to Warri and Agbor, was originally designed as a dedicated line to service steel manufacturing industries like Ajaokuta and Aladja steel plant with Iron Ore from Itakpe
“The line which was abandoned for three decades has since been completed in 2018 and converted for passenger service”. Okhiria said
He posited that despite the ongoing modernization, the narrow gauge railway line has not been abandoned as been speculated.
Okhiria said the corporation operates daily return mass transit train service from Kajola/Ijoko to Iddo and Aba to Port-Harcourt while test-run of freight train service from Lagos-Kano and back has been completed.