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Tag: Saidu Alkali

  • Port Harcourt-Aba railway to begin operation in April, says FG

    Port Harcourt-Aba railway to begin operation in April, says FG

    The federal government has pushed the  commencement date for the operation of the Port Harcourt – Aba section of the Port Harcourt to Maiduguri narrow gauge rail line to April, 2024. 

    The Minister for Transportation, Senator Saidu Alkali, announced the new date in Port-Harcourt on Friday shortly after inspecting the reconstructed rail tracks.

    Alkall regretted the postponement and appealed to the people to be patient saying the contractor handling the project would deliver it in April.

    He also directed the contractor handling the project to ensure that the rail line was linked to the Port Harcourt and Onne ports in the state.

    Alkall said: “This is the second time I am in Port Harcourt for the inspection of the rail line, since I assumed office as the Minister of Transportation.

    “They gave us March for commencement of operation, but am sure while they were doing the inspection there were some observations, and because of exigencies and technicalities of the work, it has been extended to April, because March is already 29 today. 

    “They had given us a definite commitment that by April, they will be able to put Port Harcourt to Aba into use, and it is not only Port Harcourt to Aba alone, I am trying also to get the commitment of how soon they can link the rail line to Port Harcourt Port and also Onne Port, so that we would be able to start from the two sea ports to Aba.

    Read Also: Is Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) needed now?

    “Not really that I am not satisfied with the level of work done, but you know when somebody has given you a deadline, and the deadline didn’t really work, of course you will be dissatisfied with the failed deadline he gave you ab-initio. But if somebody promises you March and is able to deliver in April, I think you can manage with that.”

    The minister further noted that the President Tinubu-led Federal government was serious and committed to delivering all ongoing projects across the country.

    He said: “Because of the commitment of the government, we have decided to start with the 15 per cent component of the federal government to fix Port Harcourt to Aba section of the railway, and we are now trying to fix the line to Port Harcourt and Onne Ports.”

    On the Calabar-Enugu-Abuja standard gauge rail line, which was also awarded by the past administration, the Minister said efforts were ongoing to finalise the funding.

    He said:  “We are trying to sort out the financing because there is no way you can start the project without making all arrangements for the finances, so as soon as the finance is ready, we are going to start.

    “Like I said earlier, this is the second time we are coming here for inspection, and Port Harcourt is in this part of the country, and that alone shows how serious and committed we are in delivering the projects in all parts of the country.” 

    He, however, disclosed that the Ibadan to Abuja section of the standard gauge rail line was currently being sorted out by the government.

    He advised the public to remain calm and support the government as it remained resolute to bringing succour to the people.

  • Fed Govt advocates national data bank for transport sector

    Fed Govt advocates national data bank for transport sector

    The Federal Government has called for a review of existing transport data collection and management systems in the country for national development.

    Minister of Transportation, Saidu Alkali said this at a one day stakeholders’ engagement forum on Smart National Transport Databank, NTD, organised by the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology, NIIT, Zaria, on Tuesday, in Abuja.

    He said the data bank will aid in the effective transportation management and planning for the country and ensure an efficient and modern transport system.

    The Minister also expressed optimism that the data bank project would help improve the efficiency of the transport system.

    He said: “This stakeholders’ engagement which focuses on the Strategic Importance of Smart National Transport Databank, is a fundamental factor for the development of the National Transport System.

    “The objective of this engagement is to guide the way towards an effective and efficient transport data collection and management system in the country. Similarly, it will sensitise stakeholders on the need and importance of transport data for national planning, improved policy formulation and synergy in the transport sector, as well as facilitating economic growth and development.

    “As you are aware, data management on the international scene is becoming increasingly complex, in view of globalization and the emergence of new Technology defined by the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in decision making process.

    Read Also: Fed govt unveils blueprint for transport sector, vows to tackle challenges 

    “Thus, reviewing the existing transport data collection and management system in the country, as well as developing an institutional framework for regular collection and analysis of transport data is essential to national development.”

    Director General/Chief Executive, NITT, Zaria, Dr. Bayero Farah, called for more collaboration, particularly with the private sector to adequately drive the initiative.

    Salihu said the Smart Transport Databank project would yield significant returns on investment because of the high demand for transportation services in the country.

    He said: “However, the Smart Transport Databank infrastructure is capital intensive and requires state-of-the arts technologies. The public sector alone cannot cope with the required capital outlay to achieve the project for the whole nation in view of competing demands of resources from other sectors of the National Economy.

    “This therefore calls for collaboration and cross pollination of ideas and material resources. It was this that motivated the institutes to look for investors through a Public Private Partnership (PPP), as enshrined in relevant laws of the federation.”