The recent commissioning of the much talked about Abuja-Kaduna rail
line by President Muhammadu Buhari, with his pictures riding on first
class cabin, took the internet by storm, thereby arousing my
journalistic instincts.
There is no doubt, of course, it was a promise kept. With the
official handover to the Nigerian Railway Corporation for commercial
activities, a younger generation of Nigerians, frequent travelers as
well as businessmen and women who may want to travel in a relaxed and
friendly manner at a cost effective rate given the mouth-watering offer
of N900 for executive coach, N600 for second class and N500 for economy
fares can now smile. But this smile can be short-lived if further
legislative input is not taken.
My unsavory experience
After the one-month free test rides which witnessed a high level of
enthusiasm by commuters ended, I was already itching to savor the
experience by parting with my hard earned money for the rail way trip.
At 1:20 p.m. on August 25th, in the company of two friends, I hurried off to Kubwa to catch the 2 p.m. train.
I arrived at 1:40 p.m. and quickly purchased my train ticket at the
rate of 600 naira, in the absence of another class of tickets. The train
station was so beautiful but lacked coordination. The security
apparatus, both human and material resources. was unsatisfactory.
Two security personnel were seen checking luggage on a small bench
with a scanner. I nearly screamed. Thanks to Buhari, who has kept those
Boko boys in check.
The waiting area was filled with passengers waiting to board I was
told that the train leaves at 2:30 p.m., while waiting I decided to look
around, ask questions and take pictures.
I was still filled with excitement and eagerness to board a train for
the first time in Nigeria; yes actually it was my first time ever!
After much dilly dally, the time finally comes, squeezing myself into
what seemed like a line, our tickets were checked by a man who looked
like a passenger. He did not seem different from many of us - no uniform
or regalia.
We were directed to form four lines for the different compartments and we began to file in.
In another few minutes the journey began, smooth and calm,
announcement were made on the various stops: Asham, Rigere, and the
final destination, Rigasa. Ten minutes into the trip, someone who
appeared to be the train assistant came to the seats to ask for our
tickets and perforated them.
The only group who distinguished themselves were the cleaners who
were seen dressed in orange customized shirts moving around at
intervals.
Soon it was 04:45 p.m. it did not feel like it. We arrived at Rigasa, in Kaduna, shortly thereafter.
I quickly bought my return ticket, walked around the station, took
some more pictures and questioned the security officials on the train
schedules. At 10 minutes to 6 p.m., the train was ready to board to head
back to Abuja. Everyone rushed in and I managed to get a middle seat
with a table and sockets. My friend and I played Monopoly, and within
two hours, we were back in Abuja.
My take
Amidst the excitement and ecstasy of the light rail system launched
formally on Tuesday 26 July at the Idu train station lies a haphazard
project that can be improved with the right legislation and
implementation from the National Assembly.
In less than one month of commissioning, the electronic information
board no longer functions, there is no proper security mechanism, and
there is a severe lack of coordination and poor management of staff and
passengers.
The Nigeria Railway Corporation Act of 1955 has existed for 6
decades!!! This act has not been amended until the 8th Assembly under
the leadership of Bukola Saraki, who did the needful by amending and
passing the bill for a third reading on 21 July 2016.
A technical committee made up of stakeholders with legal and
technical expertise was set up by the senate leadership and Committee on
Land Transportation. This bill of high priority was changed to the
National Railway Bill 2016 due to far-reaching recommended changes.
The obsolete model act of 1955 was adorned with restrictions and
rigidity to innovation investments, and private sector management making
the regulator the operator.
Some of the major amendments that the new bill will achieve include
providing a legislative framework to stamp out all impediments that
hindered the attainment of an effective railway system over past years
and allow private sector, local and foreign investors.
It will also open doors for rapid deployment of rail systems across
the nation and competitive and effective service delivery to Nigerians.
This achievement by the 8th senate should be replicated in due time by
the house of representative for onward executive assent in the interest
of Nigeria and its economy.
Only then can Nigerians truly jubilate at the milestones of the
railway industry. The regulator in this sector cannot remain the
operator. We have to get it right.
President Buhari should not hesitate to sign the bill immediately
when it lands on his table. Only then will Nigerians say, “Bravo!’’
"Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we catch excellence." - Vince Lombardi.
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