The management of Nigerian Railway Corporation yesterday decried the incessant vandalisation of modern rail tracks across the country.
The Corporation disclosed that over 100, 000 modern rail tracks were vandalised in Lagos and Abuja during the year under review.
Reports of rail tracks and clips being removed by hoodlums are being reported throughout the parts of Nigeria where railways are found.
The Managing Director of NRC, Fidet Okhira who spoke at the end of the year (Q4) media interactive session with a cross section of journalists, said that the vandalisation of tracks have been become a serious problem for the rail services.
According to him, about 50,000 rail tracks were vandalised in Lagos while another over 50,000 were also vandalised in Abuja alone.
He said just before the Christmas there were vandalisation at which 200 clips were replaced, three days after, the same spot they have vandalised it.
“So we are looking for a way to protect our clips. Yesterday, we had a management meeting. Maybe we have to engage a special person to guide that portion. This portion is between Mushin and Oshodi.
He said for Nigeria to progress, the rail industry must progress, saying that in spite of the challenges, NRC was able to move about 63,000 passengers within a week.
“From last year to this year, it has been hectic. But we thank God we are overcoming it gradually. In the beginning of the year, we had an attack where some passengers and staff of NRC were kidnapped. With the cooperation of security, we have been able to operate steadily without any issue.
He said the only issue NRC had now is the vandalisation of the tracks, which is a big problem, adding that it is a big problem that once they are replaced the vandalised tracks, they come back and attack them.
“Meanwhile, we are trying to recommence our Lagos to Kano. During the maiden visit of the Minister, he gave us an assignment to ensure that we are able to run between Lagos and Kano December. So we are working on it inhouse and our men are trying their best to ensure they achieve that.
“As we speak, a locomotive and some wagons have been able to arrive Minna successfully. Maybe by next tomorrow we will be able to get to Kaduna. We have also move from Kano to Kaduna. We had some issues where we have insecurity challenges close to Kaduna and remember this attack close to Kaduna. Luckily, the military and vigilante have been able to supported us, to ensure we are able to complete the tracks between Minna and Kaduna in the next five days.
“Hopefully, by January we should start the skeletal service trial on the tracks and see how it can go while we continue to put security in place. He said just yesterday, some clips have been replaced between Moko and Bokano were also vandalised but we are trying to see how we can solve this problem.
