The recent commissioning of the much talked about Abuja-Kaduna rail line by
\nPresident Muhammadu Buhari with his pictures riding on first class cabin,
\nwhich took the internet by storm there by arousing my journalistic
\ninstincts.<\/p>\n
There is no doubt, of course, it was a promise kept. With the official
\nhandover to the Nigerian Railway Corporation for commercial activities,
\nyounger generation of Nigerians, frequent travellers as well as businessmen
\nand women who may want to travel in a relaxed and friendly manner at a cost
\neffective rate giving the mouth-watering offer of N900 for executive coach,
\nN600 for second class and N500 for economy fares can now smile. But this
\nsmile can be short lived if further legislative input is not taken.<\/p>\n
MY UNSAVORY EXPERIENCE<\/p>\n
After the one-month free test rides which witnessed a high level of
\nenthusiasm by commuters ended, I was already itching to savour the
\nexperience by parting with my hard earned money for the rail way trip.<\/p>\n
At 1:20pm, August 25th in the company of two friends I hurried off to Kubwa
\nto meet up with the 2pm train.<\/p>\n
I arrived at 1:40pm and quickly purchased my train ticket at the rate of
\n600 naira, in the absence of\u00a0 other class of tickets the train station was
\nso beautiful but lacked coordination, the security apparatus both human and
\nmaterial resources unsatisfactory.<\/p>\n
Two security personnel were seen checking luggage\u2019s place on a small bench
\nwith scanner… I nearly screamed. Thanks to Buhari who have kept those
\nboko boys in check.<\/p>\n
The waiting area was filled with passengers waiting to board I was told
\nthat the train leaves at 2:30 pm, while waiting I decided to look around,
\nask questions and take pictures.<\/p>\n
I was still filled with excitement and eagerness to board a train for the
\nfirst time in Nigeria; yes actually it was my first time ever!!!<\/p>\n
After much dilly dally, the time finally comes, squeezing myself into what
\nseemed like a line, our tickets were checked by a man who looked like boko
\nharam, sorry a passenger!!!<\/p>\n
He did not seem different from many of us no uniform or regalia (lol!!!!
\nexpected some cabin\/train crew trips….)<\/p>\n
We were directed to form four lines for the different compartment and we
\nbegan to file in (Yes filing in a rush I mean!!!).<\/p>\n
Before then I caught a glimpse of the train tracks, it has a dual
\ncarriageway looked firm and well placed.<\/p>\n
In another few minutes the journey began, smooth and calm, announcement
\nwere made on the various stops, Asham, Rigere and final destination Rigasa
\n10 minutes into the trip someone who appeared to be the train assistant
\ncame to the seats to ask for our tickets and perforated them (Yes someone
\nbecause again he looked like a passenger).<\/p>\n
The only group who distinguished themselves were the cleaners who were seen
\ndressed in orange customized shirts moving around at intervals.<\/p>\n
Soon it was 2 hours past\u00a0 and 04:45 pm it did not feel like it, yes did I
\nforget to mention the\u00a0 announcements in between yea I recall the voice
\nsaying we are almost at Rigasa\u00a0 (Somewhere in Kaduna)which is the final
\ndestination.<\/p>\n
I quickly bought my return ticket walked around the station took some more
\npictures and questioned the security officials on the train schedules at 10
\nmins to 6pm the train was ready to board (Back to Abuja) everyone rushed
\nand Yeaaa I managed to get the middle seat with a table and sockets my
\nfriend had monopoly and I buried myself in the game (*My friend Obehi
\nbought the train station and sold it to me, in the game of monopoly*)
\nwithin another two hours we arrived Kubwa.<\/p>\n
MY TAKE<\/p>\n
Amidst the excitement and ecstasy of the light rail system launched
\nformally on Tuesday 26th July at the Idu train station lies a haphazard
\nproject which only a little more key efforts with the right legislation and
\nimplementation from the National Assembly.<\/p>\n
In less than one month of commissioning the electronic information board no
\nlonger functions, no proper security mechanism, lack of coordination and
\npoor management of Staff and passengers.<\/p>\n
The Nigeria Railway Corporation Act ’55 has existed for 6 decades!!! This
\nact has not been amended until the 8th Assembly under the able\u00a0 leadership
\nof Bukola Saraki did the needful by amending and passing the bill for 3rd
\nreading on 21 July 2016.<\/p>\n
A technical committee made up of stakeholders with legal and technical
\nexpertise was set up by the senate leadership and committee on Land
\nTransportation this bill of high priority was changed to National Railway
\nBill 2016 due to far-reaching recommended changes.<\/p>\n
The obsolete model act of 1955 was adorned with restrictions and rigidity
\nto innovations investments, and private sector management making the
\nregulator, the operator.<\/p>\n
Some of the major amendments that the new bill will achieve include
\nproviding a legislative framework to stamp out all impediments that
\nhindered the attainment of an effective Railway system over past years and
\nallow private sector, local and foreign investors.<\/p>\n
It will also open doors\u00a0 for rapid deployment of Rail systems across the
\nnation, competition effective service delivery to Nigerians, this
\nachievement by the 8th senate should be replicated in due time by the house
\nof representative for onward executive assent in the interest of Nigeria
\nand its economy.<\/p>\n
Only then can Nigerians truly jubilate at the milestones of the railway
\nindustry. The regulator in this sector cannot remain the operator. We have
\nto get it right.<\/p>\n
President Buhari should not hesitate to sign the bill immediately it lands
\non his table, only then will Nigerians say, \u201cBravo!\u2019\u2019<\/p>\n
Perfection is not attainable but if we chase perfection we catch excellence
\n– Vice Lombardi.
\nKind Regards,
\n*CYNTHIA FERDINAND U.*<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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