Transport Minister Mu’azu Sambo announced the federal government’s decision to introduce 24/7 online surveillance of the Abuja-Kaduna rail corridor.
He said this strategy will ensure the safety of passengers, employees and property along the Abuja-Kaduna rail corridor and other rail corridors.
The minister also said that a command center would be set up on the Abuja-Kaduna railway corridor to oversee the movement of trains.
The trains are also equipped with tracking devices, allowing drivers to see the tracks up to 2 km ahead. The Minister announced this at a meeting with members of the Nigerian railway union in Abuja.
The finance minister also promised to encourage higher wages for rail workers across the country.
This is contained in a statement by the Director of Press and Public Relations of the ministry, Henshaw Ogubike.
On the monitoring device to be installed, the Minister expressed optimism that the proposed security plan will be approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
He said: “The proposal was earlier taken to the FEC, but the Council had asked for more clarification and clearance from the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA). It will be represented having gotten the necessary clarifications and clearance.”
Commenting on the security measures taken, he said: “Passengers must present their National Identification Number (NIN) in order to purchase a ticket. After purchasing a ticket, before entering the lounge, the passenger must present the ticket at the check-in counter. Passengers may board trains only after the necessary checks and authorizations.
Members of the civil security service and armed men board the train. In addition, trained police officers are stationed at all posts along the Abuja-Kaduna corridor. “There is also a formed task force, some of which use motorcycles and some use Land Rover.” At the request of the railway workers’ union, Mu’azu promised to look into the issue of conditions of service.
He also ordered the formation of a nine-member committee to review the monetization of employee housing and make acceptable and actionable recommendations. Earlier, Comrade Ajiji Innocent, head of the Nigerian Railway Workers’ Union, urged the minister to find a long-term solution to some of the problems the unions are facing.
These problems include constant attacks on trains, poor service for railroad workers, low wages and monetization of employee housing, Agjiji said.