Abuja-Kaduna train service to resume operations on May 23

The Nigerian Government through the Federal Ministry of Transportation has directed the resumption of the Abuja-Kaduna Train Services on Monday, May 23, 2022.

In a statement signed by Nigerian Railway Corporation, Deputy Director Public Relations, Mr Yakub Mahmood, the Board and management of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) said, “We wish to inform our valued customers that additional security measures are being put in place at both the train stations and the track to ensure the safety of the passengers on board.

“These measures are not only for the Abuja-Kaduna Train Service (AKTS) but also for all the passenger train services, especially on the standard gauge railway lines. The passenger train service between Abuja-Kaduna is to commence on Monday 23rd May 2022.”

The Corporation, therefore, urged passengers to comply with the additional measures that; “Will surely be introduced for the safety of our passengers, such as requesting for passengers National Identification Numbers (NIN) as part of our internal security check, in addition, presentation of the following must be strictly complied with before boarding the train.

“Valid Photo Identification Card (ID)Reachable telephone number of Next of Kin (NOK) or close relative. Online and offline purchase of tickets must contain the passengers’ individual profile or identification data.”

The NRC management appealed to customers for understanding and urged them to cooperate with staff at the various train stations.

“We further appreciate complying with these simple security measures while passengers must desist from obtaining tickets through unauthorised (Racketeers) sources.”

On abducted passengers, the NRC said; “The concerted joint effort to secure the safe release of the abducted passengers being held hostage by the terrorists continues out of the public domain for strategic security reasons.

“However, the Government wishes to assure the relatives of the abducted citizens still in captivity that the safe rescue of these passengers is a top priority and not to misconstrue the resumption of train services, as abandonment or nonchalant attitude of the government towards their plight.

“Government will never abdicate its responsibility in rescuing these valuable citizens, however, the government assures of its resolve not to succumb to threats by any faceless group,” (NAN)