TCAN Tasks FG on More Rail Lines, Lauds Amaechi, Saraki’s Appointment

Sunday Okobi

Transport Correspondents Association of Nigeria (TCAN) has tasked the federal government on the need to construct more rail lines across the country for economic prosperity as well as to march its Change mantra.

Meanwhile, the association has lauded President Muhammadu Buhari administration for reappointing Rotimi Amaechi and Gbemisola Saraki as the Ministers of Transportion.

Appreciating the president on the choice of the two ministers, TCAN Chairman, Mrs. Augusta Uchedinunuor, expressed confidence that many pending projects would be completed as well as other ones springing up for development of Nigeria.

Uchedinunuor, who expressed the association’s desire to contribute its quota where necessary for nation-building at a meeting held in Lagos recently, stressed further that the assemblage of ‘a star-studded team’ in the duo of Amaechi and Saraki reflects the unflinching commitment of the present administration to take the country's transport sector to the NEXT LEVEL.

According to her, “We believe Saraki will also bring her experiences and competence to bear in supporting Amaechi who has, from the outset when he joined the Buhari government in 2015, showed a great zeal and passion for the transport sector. 

"With Amaechi and Saraki in the saddle, our country's transportation sector can only get better. We therefore urge the duo to draw up a roadmap to deliver the country a transport sector that every Nigerian would be proud of.

“The completion of the Lagos-Ibadan standard gauge project will boost economic growth, and to a large extent, reduce traffic gridlock that has remained a regular headache for residents of Apapa and Tin Can Island ports axis.

“The inclusion of the extension of the ongoing construction of the standard gauge railway line to Apapa as an addendum by the present administration bears testimony to the fact that the government intends to reduce the cost of doing business at our ports."

The TCAN boss further expressed hope that the minister would accomplish the plan to extend the Warri-Owa Oyibu-Itakpe standard gauge railway line to Abuja as well as the Warri port in Delta State.

She lauded the decision to establish a manufacturing factory for coaches at Kajola, Ifo area of Ogun State as well as the establishment of  the University of Transportation in Daura, Kastina State.