Jonathan urges Buhari not to dump rail projects

The president, who gave the advice in Abuja yesterday while inspecting the project, expressed delight at its progress.According to Jonathan, the rail project is noble one that will benefit Abuja residents and all Nigerians.The president said the project was aimed at easing the movement of people in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).“I emphasise the need […]

The president, who gave the advice in Abuja yesterday while inspecting the project, expressed delight at its progress.
According to Jonathan, the rail project is noble one that will benefit Abuja residents and all Nigerians.
The president said the project was aimed at easing the movement of people in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
“I emphasise the need to develop an effective mass transit system in the country. We cannot talk about mass transit using taxis, small cars and small buses, even the luxury buses. It will be too expensive. Until our rail system works. That is why we are emphasising on inter-city rail and intra-city light rail systems.
“Of course, this government is leaving on May 29, but definitely, the incoming government will have to continue. This is a noble project, it will benefit Nigerians especially residents of the FCT. I am quite appreciative of the level of completion”, Jonathan said.
The president explained that it was important for him to inspect the project so that he would know what to tell Buhari about it when they meet.
FCT Minister Bala Muhammed said Jonathan secured for the project, a $500 million loan which the ministry had started accessing.
The minister, who also disclosed that $20 billion counterpart fund was sourced from the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P), said about 61 percent of the sum had already been drawn.
In a related development, Jonathan, while commissioning the Kubwa Road, said: “People who come to Abuja are full of praises because the roads are really making Abuja to look like a real modern city. We’re quite pleased with the progress of work, we’ll do our best to see that the commitments of government are met”.