Jonathan's Administration Started It,Buhari's Administration Completed It;President Buhari Speech During The Commissioning Of Abuja-Kaduna Railway

I am delighted to be here today to commission the
Abuja – Kaduna railway track and flag-off the Abuja-
Kaduna train services (Passengers & Freight) on
Nigeria’s first ever Standard Gauge Rail track to go
into operation. This project was conceived by a
previous administration, started by the last
government and I am pleased to complete and
commission it.
It is on record that between 1963 and early ‘80s,
Nigeria had a vibrant rail system which conveyed
agricultural and livestock and solid mineral resources
to Lagos and Port Harcourt sea ports from where they
are exported to other parts of the world. It is our
vision and hope that those good old days will soon be
back with us and indeed in a more prosperous way
with the restoration of rail transport system which
today’s occasion symbolises.


The construction of the Abuja-Kaduna Standard Gauge
rail track commenced in 2009 and happily, sixteen
years after, we are on the threshold of presenting to
Nigerians a Standard Gauge Railway Train Service that
will be safe, fast and reliable. The Abuja-Kaduna train
service will provide the much needed alternative
transport link between the Federal Capital Territory
and Kaduna State, a corridor which has a huge
potential for industries, agricultural activities and a
growing labour force.
The Minister of Transportation, Chief Rotimi Amaechi
and his team have put great efforts in the last few
months to ensure the successful completion of this
project under this Administration. Completion and
Commissioning of this project is indeed in keeping
with our vision of bringing about the desired change
to make life easier for the generality of Nigerians
through the development and provision of the
necessary social and physical infrastructure.
In this regard, I wish to assure Nigerians that most
State capitals and major commercial and production
centres will be linked with railway system as a way of
bringing about rapid socio-economic development and
improving the quality of life of the Nigerians and
promoting social & regional integration.
Furthermore, I wish to also reassure Nigerians that
due attention will be placed on pursuing the 25-Year
Strategic Railway Master Plan which is aimed at
rehabilitating the existing 3,505km narrow gauge rail
line and developing and constructing new standard
gauge rail lines across the country.
As we celebrate the symbolic return of rail service
today I wish to reiterate the commitment of this
Administration to pursue with greater vigour and
determination rehabilitation and construction of other
rail lines including the major Lagos-Calabar and Kano-
Lagos lines.
As we get down to work, I look forward to flagging off
many more lines outlined in our transport policy
programme.
Thank you, and safe journey to all our travellers.