FG will give necessary support for Local manufacturing of Locomotives, Wagons and Coaches

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The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Transportation, Sabiu Zakari has stated that the Federal Government will give the necessary support to the Chinese Government and CRRC Nanjing Puzhen Co. Ltd, to ensure that production Plants for the manufacturing of Locomotives, Wagons and Coaches are established in Nigeria capable to serve as the market hub for Africa and other Asian Countries.

Zakari made this declaration when he led a delegation to the CRRC Nanjing Puzhen Co. Ltd China for the factory inspection of coaches and Wagon ordered by the Federal Government of Nigeria for the operation of the Kaduna-Abuja Standard Gauge Rail line on the 12th of September, 2017.

The Permanent Secretary urged the Management of CRRC Nanjing Puzhen Co. Ltd to ensure adequate supply of spare parts and provision of efficient capacity building for the Nigerian Railway Corporation technicians to ensure continued and unhindered repairs and maintenance of these coaches and Wagon.

According to him, Nigeria Government is expected to open more Standard Gauge line in Nigeria, reiterating that establishing a plant by CRRC Nanjing Puzhen Co Ltd in Nigeria for the manufacturing of coaches and wagon will no doubt, be beneficial to the two countries as it will be a market hub for Africa and other countries in Asia.

He expressed satisfaction on the quality and capacity of the ordered wagon/locomotives and coaches and urged the Management of the CRRC Nanjing Puzhen Co. Ltd to ensure that the coaches are delivered on time to enhance the operation of the Abuja-Kaduna railway service.

The Coaches include; Two First Class Passengers Coaches, Six Standard Executive Coaches and Two Baggage/Parcel Vans.

In his remarks, Sen. Olugbenga Ashafa, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Land Transport stated that, he and his Colleague in the House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Sanni Issa, the Chairman, House Committee on Land Transport were on the delegation to ensure that the coaches are befitting, contemporary and above all, justify the value for money invested.

“We believe that the quality of coaches that would be supplied to Nigeria by this company to boost the Railway reinvigoration drive would serve as a marketing point for potential clients in Africa and the World”, he said.

He also seized the opportunity of the occasion to inform their Host that Nigeria is a fertile land open to Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and with the growing population and skilled manpower, return on investment is not only guaranteed but also local contents is readily available with which to maximize return on investment.

He assured that the Legislative Houses in Nigeria are working in consonance with the Executive arm of Government to ensure that the relationship between Nigeria and China remains solid and mutually beneficial.

Other dignitaries on the delegation include; The Chairman, Board of Nigeria Railway Corporation, Alh. A. Abubakar, Director, Rail Transport Service in the Federal Ministry of Transportation, Engr. Mohammed Tunji Babakobi, Managing Director, Nigerian Railway Corporation, Engr. Fidet Okhiria and other Senior Officials from the Federal Ministry of Transportation and Nigerian Railway Corporation.

Yetunde Sonaike (Mrs.)
D (PPR)
September 20, 2017.