The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Ministry of Transportation, has announced plans to improve the welfare and working conditions of staff at the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC). The Minister of Transportation, Sa’idu Alkali, made this announcement during a visit to the NRC’s headquarters in Lagos.
One of the key priorities mentioned by the minister is the implementation of the Presidential approval for an upward review of special allowances for Nigerian railway workers. This move is aimed at enhancing the welfare and motivation of railway staff.
During the visit, the minister also evaluated the performance of the NRC, particularly with regard to the management of rail infrastructure and ongoing railway modernization projects, including the Lagos-Ibadan and Kano-Maradi railway projects.
Alkali emphasized the importance of transportation in promoting economic growth and development and pledged the ministry’s support in fulfilling its statutory functions. He mentioned plans for the completion of the President Bola Tinubu Station Standard Gauge rail and the expansion of the operational scope of the Kajola Rail Wagon Assembly Plant.
The Managing Director of NRC, Fidet Okhiria, congratulated the minister on his appointment and highlighted some of the challenges faced by the NRC, including security threats and infrastructure vandalism. He expressed hope that the minister’s legislative experience would contribute to the successful implementation of railway modernization projects in Nigeria.