BY MIKE OCHONMA
The Ministry of Transportation (FMoT), supervising ministry of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), has issued a directive for the resumption of Abuja-Kaduna train services (AKTS), which were disrupted following a terrorist attack in March. The passenger train service between Abuja and Kaduna is to commence on Monday 23rd May, 2022.
Meanwhile, the concerted joint effort to secure the safe release of the abducted passengers kidnapped on March 28, 2022 by the terrorists continues discreetly for strategic security reasons, according to the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC).
The federal government has given assurances to the relatives of the abducted citizens still in captivity that the safe rescue of these passengers is a top priority and not to misconstrue the resumption of train services, as abandonment or nonchalant attitude of the government towards their plight.
NRC said the federal government will never abdicate its responsibility in rescuing the abducted passengers, adding that the government will not succumb to threats by any faceless group.
Additional security measures are being put in place at both the train stations and the track to ensure the safety of the passengers onboard, the board and management of the NRC said.
These measures are not only for the Abuja-Kaduna Train Service (AKTS) but also for all the passenger train services especially on the standard gauge railway lines.
According to Yakub Mahmood, deputy director, public relations of the NRC, passengers are enjoined to cooperate with the corporation to deliver improved service, safety and comfort by patiently complying with additional measures that will be introduced for the safety of passengers.
Consequently, NRC will be requesting for passengers National Identification Numbers (NIN) as part of our internal security check in addition, and that must be strictly complied with before boarding the train.
Other passenger details required before boarding the train are valid photo identification Card (ID) reachable telephone number of next of kin (NOK) or close relative. Online and offline purchase of tickets must contain the passengers individual profile or identification data.
While appealing to the traveling public for their understanding, NRC called for cooperation with staff at the various train stations, adding that it appreciates members of the public for complying with the new security measures while urging them to avoid ticket racketeers.
