Federal Government has on Wednesday explained that it is not eager to recommence the Abuja-Kaduna train services saying it would amount to insensitivity on its side not to consider the plight of families whose loved ones were kidnapped.
The Minister of Transportation, Muazu Sambo, stated this while briefing State House correspondents at the end of the Federal Executive Council, FEC, meeting presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari at the Council Chamber, Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Responding to questions by newsmen on the indefinite suspension of the services following terrorists attack on the train earlier in March this year, the Minister explained that two core matters remained at the heart of the Abuja-Kaduna train services.
He stated that families of some of the victims of the dastardly act are still traumatized over their members still being in captivity and the need to have surveillance facilities to monitor the tracks.
He further stated that the Nigerian government is looking at the best options in terms of the surveillance including concessioning it in a Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement.
Asked about definite time lines to execute the initiative, Muazu 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 still in the bush.”
According to him, government was mindful of cost involved but should be able to report definite progress in about a month.
The Minister also said that his ministry presented a memorandum that was approved by the council for a contract for the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) worth about N1.49 billion for the repair of crane.
