Abuja – Sen. Gbenga Ashafa (APC-Lagos East) said on Monday that overhauling the obsolete Act establishing the Nigerian Railway Corporation would ensure cheaper means of transportation of goods and services in the country.
Ashafa, who is the Chairman, Senate Committee on Land Transport, stated this in Abuja on Monday at a one-day public hearing on
the Nigerian Railway Corporation Act.
He said the amendment of the Act was pertinent as it would remove all the impediments that had hindered the actualisation of an
effective rail system in the country over the years.
“The repeal and re-enactment of this bill is targeted at revitilising and enhancing the operational framework and removal of the impediments
that hinder the international best practices within the rail transport sector.
“Rail transport is the strong base of social and industrial activities in both developed and developing countries.
“However, it appears that the dream of having efficient rail transport here in Nigeria is elusive.
“This country has a lot of benefits to derive from the revival of the railway transport system.
“If the obsolete Act is carefully repealed and overhauled, there is no doubt that the populace will enjoy cheaper means of transporting
goods and raw materials.
“Also the incessant damage to our roads and highways by heavy trucks would be reduced.
“It is sad to note that until the inception of civilian administration in 1999, little investments or next to no investments
were made in the Nigerian rail sector from the mid 1980s when the railway corporation was declared bankrupt.”
Ashafa said it was time to enact an Act that would stand the test of time and open the sector up to private investment and concessioning.
He, therefore, called on all stakeholders to contribute meaningfully to the amendment of the Act.
In his remark, the President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, who declared the public hearing open, pledged the commitment of the
Senate to passing the bill when presented for the third reading.
He said the 8th National Assembly was committed to providing the necessary legislative support to aid infrastructure development for a
better economy.
“The Nigerian Railway Corporation Act Amendment bill 2015 is one of the high priority bills of the National Assembly and we are determined
to ensure its passage.
“The rail system is one of the most important arterial systems of our economy.
“Aside the fact that this law has become too old, many agree there is need to separate the regulator from the operator.
“This, it is said, is to ensure a more rapid deployment of the rail system across the nation and encourage competition, innovation, and
drive in this all-important sector.”
Saraki said he was optimistic that the proposed Railway Act would lead to a new era of growth and enablement for the private sector to participate in.
He charged all stakeholders to consider the positive change the new Act would bring in the area of agriculture, mining, oil and gas,
labour, and transportation, among others.
“We have no choice but to speedily and comprehensively review and pass this bill.
“It is no exaggeration to say that the passage of this bill and the implementation of its provisions will have the impact of a new
economic revolution.
“It is therefore with delight that I call on all of you to support this effort at changing the outlook of our rail system and our economy
as a whole by contributing positively to this public hearing.
“It is my hope that your contributions would further enrich the discourse at the Senate plenary and that the final draft would have
captured the missing links.” (NAN)