Tinubu Approves More Train Coaches, Security Equipment To Tackle Railway Attacks
By Sabiu Abdullahi
President Bola Tinubu has approved the acquisition of additional train coaches and surveillance equipment to improve railway services and address security threats, including banditry, kidnapping and vandalism.
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Transportation, Funso Adebiyi, disclosed this on Saturday while inspecting the Kano-Maradi railway project.
According to Adebiyi, the new coaches are expected to increase the capacity of railway services for both passengers and freight, while the surveillance equipment will help protect rail infrastructure and passengers.
He added that the ministry was training railway personnel to operate and maintain the coaches once they arrive.
Adebiyi made the disclosure during an inspection tour alongside the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Transportation and Mobility, Prince Adetokunbo Ademola Ade-John, and other government officials. The team also inspected bridge-beam casting work along the railway corridor.
The permanent secretary identified insecurity as a major challenge to railway operations, noting that attacks on rail infrastructure disrupt services, threaten lives and increase maintenance costs. He cited the Abuja-Kaduna railway corridor as an example of the security risks facing the sector.
“I’m glad to inform you that Mr President has given the go-ahead for us to embark on the acquisition of surveillance security equipment all across the country, and we are working around the clock to ensure this,” he said.
The planned acquisitions form part of the government’s efforts to strengthen railway security and improve the reliability of rail transportation across the country.