…AS FEC APPROVES N42 BILLION ROADS IN FIVE NORTHEASTERN STATES
The Federal Government on Wednesday described the call for resumption of the Abuja-Kaduna train service as insensitive and inhuman.
FG said to resume the Abuja-Kaduna train services for now, especially when relatives of some families kidnapped in the corridor are still in captivity, would be improper.
The Ministers of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar-Farouq, and Transportation, Mu’azu Sambo, made the comment while briefing State House Correspondents at the end of the Federal Executive Council meeting on Wednesday in Abuja.
While answering questions on the long suspension of the Abuja- Kaduna train service since the March 2022 attack on the train, Sambo said that two serious issues on the matter remain pertinent.
He disclosed that the families of the victims are still traumatized over their members held captive by terrorists.
He added also that there is the need to have surveillance facilities to monitor the tracks.
According to him, the government is looking at the best options in terms of surveillance, including concessioning it on a Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement.
When probed on the exact time limits to execute the initiative, he said: “If I give a timeline, I’ll be lying to you. It will be insensitive to restart the service if some families weep day and night over their members who are still in the bush.”
The Minister said the government was mindful of the cost involved but should be able to report definite progress about a month.
The Minister revealed that FEC approved a contract for the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) worth about N1.49 billion for the repair of cranes.
Meanwhile, the Federal Executive Council (FEC), presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari, approved over N42 billion for the construction and reconstruction of roads in five North Eastern States.
Speaking on the road construction and reconstruction in the Northeast, he stressed that the four memos presented and approved by the council are road construction and reconstruction for five States of the North East region.
He named the states as Borno, Yobe,Adamawa, Gombe, and Bauchi States.
“For Borno, we have 22.5 kilo22.5-kilometers is to be reconstructed. This road is Ngon-Koshode and Ngon-Dosmari-Zabamari-Kongologo-Kajari road with the contract sum of N13,553,902,668.95
“The second contract is on reconstructed action of 53 Kilometer Gombe-Abba to Kriffy Road in Gombe and Bauchi state in the contract sum of N11,697,355,449.61
“The other road is the 54-kilometer Gudal Road in Yobe State with the contract sum of N12,199,182,845.70
“The fourth one is the one for Adamawa State, Garkida road, it has a contract sum of N6,202,214,413.29 inclusive of 7.5 VAT.
“Garkida road in Adamawa state located at the fringes of the Sambisa forest.
“All these roads are being taken into consideration and selected in conjunction with the State governments and other critical stakeholders.
“These roads are expected to stimulate our economic activities, enhance security and facilitate the freer movement of goods and people in these affected states within the zone
“The ministry also is in collaboration with the Ministry of Works and Housing and the coding of various roads in the Northeast region. As you’re aware you’re not is Development Commission was established in 2017. To address issues of rebuilding, reconstructing, rehabilitating, and reintegrating ting the people of the Northeast who have been affected by the insurgency.
“We are also in partnership and collaboration with the Nigerian Society of engineers in the area of engaging reputable local consultants for the design and supervision of the major works in line with the executive order five for promoting local content in science, engineering, and technology.
“All the four memos were considered and graciously approved by council.” He explained.
