*’We must ensure the safety of our rail users and strive to achieve the intended economic goals,’ says President Muhammadu Buhari

Alexander Davis | ConsumerConnect

In reassuring Nigerians of their personal and property safety while commuting in trains, President Muhammadu Buhari has directed the Federal Ministry of Transportation and relevant security agencies to provide maximum security along the railway corridors in the country.

Buhari gave the directive during the closing ceremony of the 2022 Ministerial Performance Review Retreat Tuesday, October 18, 2022, in Abuja, FCT.

The President’s instruction had become imperative in view of the huge investment made in the rail sector and the need to safeguard the lives and property of the citizens, agency report said.

“We must ensure the safety of our rail users and strive to achieve the intended economic goals. We must at the same time ensure realisable schedules and first-class maintenance.

“Following the milestones recorded in the road sector, coupled with the innovative ways of funding road infrastructure, the Ministry of Works and Housing has been directed to compile a list of all completed roads, bridges and other infrastructure for commissioning before the end of this Administration,” stated the President.

The President also directed the Federal Government’s investment in the reconstruction of 21 selected ongoing Federal Roads totalling 1,804.6km.

Buhari further said that the road projects being executed under the Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Policy must be closely monitored and tracked to ensure the roads are completed on schedule.

He noted: “In line with the outcome of the Panel session on Priority 4 (Improve Transportation and Other Infrastructure), the Ministry of Aviation is hereby directed to conclude and ensure the take-off of the National Carrier Project before the end of the year.’’

In order to expand the fiscal space and improve Nigeria’s revenue generation efforts, Buhari as well directed the Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning to ensure the effective implementation of the Strategic Revenue and Growth Initiative.

Buhari stated: “In the same vein, we must also build synergy between the fiscal and monetary authorities in order to avoid unnecessary drawbacks in our economic planning and performance.”

The Nigerian leader commended former President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya, who was the Keynote Speaker at the Retreat, for sharing his wealth of experience during his tenure in Office.

He wished the former President a productive retirement and expressed the hope that he would continue to serve his people and the African continent in every way possible.

The President also thanked the Kenyan delegation, led by the country’s former President for their support and contributions during the Retreat in Abuja.