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  • NRC Suspends Nationwide Train Services Ahead of Saturday’s Elections

    NRC Suspends Nationwide Train Services Ahead of Saturday’s Elections

    Ahead of Saturday’s presidential election, the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has suspended train services in the country to enable Nigerians exercise their civic responsibilities.

    The temporary suspension of train services will be from February 25 to February 27, 2023, the NRC said in a statement on Wednesday.

    The statement signed by the Corporation’s Deputy Director of Public Relations, Yakub Mahmood list the routes suspended to include the Abuja–Kaduna, Warri–Itakpe, Lagos–Ibadan, and the Iddo Lagos-Ijoko train services.

    “However, the management assures the general public of the normal train services recommencement on Tuesday 28th February, 2023,” the statement added.

    Train services have been suspended in parts of the country in the last one year after attacks and derailment.

    On March 28, 2022 terrorists attacked a Kaduna-Abuja train, killed some passengers and kidnapped others who later regain their freedom. Also, on January 7, 2023, passengers waiting to board a train in Edo State were abducted but freed days later.

    The Corporation had also suspended its Abuja-Kaduna services in January following derailment at the Kubwa Station.

  • Amidst Naira Crunch, NRC Rejects Bank Transfer

    Amidst Naira Crunch, NRC Rejects Bank Transfer

    Despite the adoption of cashless payment systems across different segments of the country, the Nigerian Railway Corporation has insisted on cash payment for its transactions, especially for fares along its Lagos-Ibadan route.

    While other businesses are exploring the Point of Sale and online banking services, it was observed that officials of the NRC were not accepting bank transfers, neither were they using the PoS service.

    Also, at the Mobolaji Johnson Station in Lagos, it was discovered that ticket officials were only accepting new naira notes. Also, a visit to the Babatunde Fashola Station showed that the ticketing officials accepted only new notes.

    One of the officials said the management does not allow bank transfers nor deploy the use of PoS machines, stating it was against their policy.

    A passenger who gave his name as Mr. Ahmed Ogunsanya said he had to pay with the little new notes he had on him with a mixture of N100 notes to gain access to the train, pointing out that ticket officials rejected the old notes.

    “I paid with the little new notes I had on me and added N100 notes to it too. The ticket man refused to collect old notes from me. Now I don’t even know if ‘danfo’ will collect it from me.”

    Speaking on the development, District Manager for Lagos, NRC, Augustine Arisa, said there was no cash anywhere, saying “everybody is faced with the challenge.”

    He confirmed that the NRC was collecting only new notes.

    He said, “We are not using PoS. If it is not e-ticketing, you pay cash. Until when we are given the go-ahead on e-ticketing. The implication of this is that people who don’t have the new notes won’t be able to use the facility.”

    Another passenger said, “The decision of the management of the corporation to introduce a collection of tickets with new naira notes is impromptu, ill-timed and embarrassing.”

  • FG Lost N113m Over Abuja-Kaduna Railway Closure – NRC

    FG Lost N113m Over Abuja-Kaduna Railway Closure – NRC

    The Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) will resume the Abuja-Kaduna passenger train service on Monday, with only two return services.

    The announcement is contained in a statement sent to Channels Television on Saturday by the Managing Director of the NRC, Fidet Okhiria.

    The statement shows the first train will depart Rigasa train station in Kaduna state to Abuja by 8:00 in the morning while from Abuja, the first train will depart Idu train station to Kaduna state by 9:45 in the morning.

    The NRC management also revealed that as part of the new security measures, it is now mandatory for passengers to present their National Identity Number and valid Boarding Ticket before they will be allowed to board.

    It also says the purchase of tickets by proxy is only limited to minors and a specified number of adult passengers.

    Online and mobile app ticketing will be available from 8:00 in the morning on Sunday, December the 4th, 2022 while the ticket offices at the train stations will open from 6:30 in the morning on Monday, December the 5th.

    Recall that the NRC suspended train service along the route after Boko Haram terrorists attacked a moving passenger train in Kaduna on March 28, 2022.

    The insurgents had blown up the rail track and bombed the moving train, killing some and abducting more than 60 passengers. The unprecedented attack attracted international and national outrage.

    The terrorists, who attacked the Kaduna-bound train released hostages in tranches with the last release coming on October 5, 2022.

    Before the hostages were completely released, distraught family members had protested several times to demand the release of their loved ones.

  • We’re yet to fix date for Abuja-Kaduna train service restoration – NRC

    We’re yet to fix date for Abuja-Kaduna train service restoration – NRC

    The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has denied the rumour in some media outlets and social media platforms which said the Abuja-Kaduna rail service will resume on November 24.

    The Managing Director of NRC, Fidet Okhiria, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the news was false and should be disregarded.

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    According to him, no definite date has been fixed for the resumption, but the Federal Government is making every necessary effort to ensure it resumes before end of November.

    ”I wish to inform the general public that the news is false because a definite date has not yet been fixed.

    ”It is true that the Minister announced that we will resume services on that route this November and efforts are being made by all necessary quarters to ensure we resume before the end of November.

    ”I wish to reiterate the commitment of the Federal Government and the corporation to securing the lives and properties of our highly esteemed passengers and Nigerians,” Okhiria said.

    Recalls that the service along the Abuja-Kaduna rail corridor was halted due to a terrorist attack on March 28 which led to the loss of lives and kidnap of some passengers.

    The Minister of Transportation, Mu’azu Sambo, had announced after the release of all the kidnapped passengers, services along the corridor would resume in November.

  • NRC: “Passengers should desist from obtaining tickets through unauthorized sources” – Mahmood

    NRC: “Passengers should desist from obtaining tickets through unauthorized sources” – Mahmood

    Following the attack on March 28 on the kaduna bound train from Abuja by armed bandits of which 8 persons were killed and others kidnapped or missing.

    Which has led to the indefinite suspension on March 29 of the train Operations along the kaduna- Abuja route after the bombing by the terrorists, it is against this back drop that the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has taken security measures not only on the kaduna- Abuja train service but on all passenger train services especially on the standard gauge railway lines.

    The Spokesman for the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) Yakub Mahmood in a statement issued in Lagos on Monday,said the Railway Corporation resumes Abuja- Kaduna train service on 23 May, 2022.He also urged passengers to desist from obtaining tickets from unauthorized sources.

    He added that passengers are enjoined to cooperate with the NRC in order to enjoy improved service delivery, safety and comfort,thus, additional measures have been added before boarding a train which includes requesting for NIN,a valid ID card,no. Next of Kin and online and offline purchase of tickets must contain the passengers individual profile or identification data.

    Mahmood said efforts are ongoing to ensure the safe release of the abducted individuals being held hostage by the terrorists.

  • Train Attack: Rail Tracks Between Abuja and Kaduna Now Restored – NRC

    Train Attack: Rail Tracks Between Abuja and Kaduna Now Restored – NRC

    The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) says it has completed the repairs of the Abuja-Kaduna rail track 37 days after it was bombed by terrorists.

    It said the Abuja-Kaduna train service would resume soon with additional security measures put in place.

    The NRC said when the trains resumed, passengers would be required to provide their National Identification Number (NIN) registration for verification prior to purchasing train tickets.

    According to the corporation, this is for improved passenger profiling and safety on-board.

    The NRC said these in a statement on Thursday by Engr Niyi Ali on behalf of the corporation’s Managing Director, Engr Fidet Okhiria.

    Terrorists had on March 28 attacked the AK9 Abuja-Kaduna train, killing at least nine people, injuring several others and abducting many others.

    The NRC said the connection of the Abuja-Kaduna train service line had been achieved.

    It stated: “This implies that the major track components (concrete sleepers and rails) have been completely laid. The south end of the tracks (which was destroyed by the explosion) has been successfully joined with the north end. Track access between Abuja and Kaduna is now restored”.

    The corporation said the technical team continued with other track stabilization works, including ballasting, temping, fastening of accessories (clips, bolts and nuts) and welding.

    It added: “Loco 2502 which was involved in the accident (though not damaged) and trapped at the Rigasa end due to lack of route access has now crossed to the Idu end and taken to the workshop for proper examination and routine maintenance.”

  • Kaduna Train Attack: NRC Declares 170 Passengers Safe

    Kaduna Train Attack: NRC Declares 170 Passengers Safe

    The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Saturday confirmed the safety of 170 passengers, even as it said that 21 passengers were still reported missing by the relatives who made calls to the corporation.
    NRC, in a release in Abuja by its Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Fidet Okhiria, read: “You would recall that on the 28th of March, 2022, suspected bandits attacked the last evening train, AK9 on the Abuja – Kaduna Train Service with explosives, leading to the death of some passengers and destruction of the train and track.
    “Because of the level of damage on the track and in honour of those that lost their lives, the Corporation suspended train operations on the affected route.”
    According to Okhiria, while in this mournful mood, it is also important to inform members of the public and the press about the latest development and what the corporation is doing to restore train services.
    “This update has become absolutely necessary so as to prevent the circulation of falsehood or misleading information to the general public.
    “For the records, there were eleven (11) coaches on the train worked by Loco 2502, which is made up of four (4) SPA Coaches with 56 sitting capacity per coach and 7 SP Coaches with 88 sitting capacity per coach.
    “Thus, the total seat capacity of the train is 840 seats. You may also recall that the train manifest contained 362 validated passengers aboard the train.”
    The NRC boss hinted that the corporation, in continuation of its concerted effort through repeated calls, has been able to confirm the safety of “170 passengers, while 21 passengers are reported missing by the relatives who made calls to us,” Okhiria said.
    He further said that the corporation is seriously collaborating with the security agencies who had already swung into action, in line with the directive of President Muhammadu Buhari to do everything possible to rescue all those that are still missing.
    He noted: “The corporation is also not resting on its oars as she has heavily moved human and material resources to the accident site to make sure that train services resumed without further delays in order to reduce the stress that our passengers are currently going through.
    “In practical terms, a high powered restoration team, led by directors have been working round the clock to re-rail the coaches affected by the bomb blast.
    “There is a co-ordinated two-pronged simultaneous restoration approach. While Loco 2702 with re-railment and restoration materials departed Idu Station, Abuja to the bomb blast site, another team with Loco 2502 departed Rigasa Station, Kaduna with re-railment and restoration materials to the same site.
    “I am happy to inform you that as at the close of work on the 1st of April 2022, Coaches SP00004, SP00009, SP00012, SP00013 have all been re-railed and safely taken to our Rigasa Station in Kaduna. Restoration of track for full resumption of normal train services will continue today 2nd April 2022.”
    He said further in the statement, “Gentlemen of the press, it may also interest you to know that arrangements have equally been put in place for increased security along the track and on board the train to prevent the recurrence of the unfortunate incident.
    “Once again, our hearts go out to the families of those that lost their loved ones and that of those that are still missing.”
    He however assured Nigerians that the corporation is with the general public in this challenging time.

  • NRC Suspends Abuja-Kaduna Train Service Over Attack

    NRC Suspends Abuja-Kaduna Train Service Over Attack

    The Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) has suspended train services on the Kaduna-Abuja route following the bombing of the rail tracks.

    Yet-to-be-identified persons had bombed a portion of the rail track on the Kaduna end during an attack on Wednesday night.

    Confirming the incident, the corporation said it was already making efforts to repair the damaged tracks and restore services along the route in the northern part of the country.

    In a statement on Thursday, the management of the corporation said the explosives damaged the rail tracks somewhere between Dutse and Rijana areas of Kaduna.

    Barely a day after the attack, a former lawmaker representing Kaduna Central senatorial district, Senator Shehu Sani, narrated how he escaped an accident as a result of the bombing.

    According to him, the attack was carried out by armed bandits who opened fire on the train, targeting its driver.

    “Yesternight, bandits attacked the Kaduna-Abuja train,” Senator Sani said in a Facebook post on Thursday. “They planted an explosive that damaged the rail track and shattered the windshield of the train engine.

    “They also opened fire, targeting the driver and the tank. It happened between Dutse and Rijana stations. The driver struggled to move towards Kaduna Rigasa station.

    “This early morning, I was on board when our train ran over another explosive damaged railing. The train nearly skidded off its track, then we miraculously escaped.”

    He advised authorities to suspend all train operations on the Kaduna-Abuja route until the issue was properly addressed.

    The attack occurred the same day when Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, received a report on the security issues in the state.

    The report indicated that 343 lives were lost in Kaduna in the last three months, as a result of violence.

    Of the figure, 193 deaths were reported in the southern region of the state while the central and northern regions recorded 130 and 20 deaths respectively.

    However, security operatives killed over 69 criminals and rescued 101 people from the captivity of kidnappers.

  • In Nasarawa: Nigeria Red cross tracks 20,000 Children for Immunization

    In Nasarawa: Nigeria Red cross tracks 20,000 Children for Immunization

    By Abel Leonard, Lafia

    Nigeria Red Cross (NRC) tracked over twenty thousand children for immunization, trained over 150 Community first aiders on how to manage accident case in Nasarawa in 2019.

    The State Executive Secretary of the Red Cross in Nasarawa state, Jerry Danjuma Kuje disclosed this in an exclusive interview with our Correspondent in Lafia, Nasarawa state Capital Thursday.

    He said over 40,000 volunteers have been engaged on data base while 50 of the red Cross in the state are not on data base. in Nasarawa

    According to Danjuma Kuje, Red Cross Nigeria was first to open COVID19 isolation centre at the wake of the pandemic without support from any quarters even as the organization is humanitarian in nature, carried out evacuation of accident victims in the state.

    The Organization according to the Secretary runs an ambulance services, participate in measles campaigns, immunization activities in view of the it’s prevalence.

    The secretary identified lack of funds as one of the factors militating against it operation in the state appealed to the state government to assist the organization to enable it carry out it’s humanitarian services effectively in the state.

    According to him, NRC was in need of a relief store to guarantee the storage and safety of its materials stating that the activities of the red Cross in Nasarawa state were being hindered people have refused to identify with the organization.

    He further appealed to spirited individuals, organizations to assist red Cross in the state render it’s statutory services to humanity in the state.
    In Nasarawa: Nigeria Red cross tracks 20,000 Children for Immunization

    Nigeria Red Cross (NRC) tracked over twenty thousand children for immunization, trained over 150 Community first aiders on how to manage accident case in Nasarawa in 2019.

    The State Executive Secretary of the Red Cross in Nasarawa state, Jerry Danjuma Kuje disclosed this in an exclusive interview with our Correspondent in Lafia, Nasarawa state Capital Thursday.

    He said over 40,000 volunteers have been engaged on data base while 50 of the red Cross in the state are not on data base. in Nasarawa

    According to Danjuma Kuje, Red Cross Nigeria was first to open COVID19 isolation centre at the wake of the pandemic without support from any quarters even as the organization is humanitarian in nature, carried out evacuation of accident victims in the state.

    The Organization according to the Secretary runs an ambulance services, participate in measles campaigns, immunization activities in view of the it’s prevalence.

    The secretary identified lack of funds as one of the factors militating against it operation in the state appealed to the state government to assist the organization to enable it carry out it’s humanitarian services effectively in the state.

    According to him, NRC was in need of a relief store to guarantee the storage and safety of its materials stating that the activities of the red Cross in Nasarawa state were being hindered people have refused to identify with the organization.

    He further appealed to spirited individuals, organizations to assist red Cross in the state render it’s statutory services to humanity in the state.