President Bola Tinubu has authorised the acquisition of additional railway coaches and advanced security equipment as part of efforts to improve train transportation and tackle criminal activities, including banditry, kidnapping and the destruction of railway facilities.
The proposed purchases are expected to expand passenger and cargo transportation capacity while strengthening monitoring systems across the nation’s railway network to improve the safety of travellers and protect critical infrastructure.
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Transportation, Funso Adebiyi, revealed the development on Saturday during an inspection tour of the Kano-Maradi railway project.
Adebiyi explained that the government was also making arrangements to equip railway personnel with the technical knowledge required to operate and maintain the additional coaches once they arrive.
According to him, preparing workers ahead of the delivery of the new equipment would help ensure efficient operations, proper maintenance and improved service delivery across the railway system.
The transportation ministry’s permanent secretary conducted the inspection alongside Prince Adetokunbo Ademola Ade-John, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Transportation and Mobility, as well as other government officials.
During the visit, the delegation examined ongoing construction activities, including the casting of a bridge beam along the railway corridor.
The inspection formed part of efforts to assess progress on the project and identify measures required to support the development of railway transportation infrastructure.
Adebiyi identified insecurity as one of the major obstacles affecting railway operations in the country, explaining that attacks on railway facilities could interrupt services, expose passengers to danger and increase the financial burden associated with repairs and maintenance.
He noted that protecting railway infrastructure had become increasingly important as the government continued to invest in expanding transportation services and connecting different parts of the country.
The Abuja-Kaduna railway route was highlighted as an example of a corridor that had experienced security-related challenges, underscoring the need for stronger protective measures across the national railway system.
Adebiyi disclosed that Tinubu had authorised the procurement of surveillance and security technology for deployment across railway facilities nationwide.
He added that the ministry was working to ensure the equipment was acquired and deployed without unnecessary delays.
The planned investment is expected to strengthen the monitoring of railway corridors, improve responses to potential threats and support measures aimed at preventing criminal attacks on trains and railway installations.
The government’s decision also reflects efforts to improve confidence in rail transportation by addressing safety concerns affecting passengers and operators.
With additional coaches expected to increase operational capacity and surveillance technology intended to reinforce security, the initiative seeks to improve the reliability of railway services while protecting investments in the country’s transportation infrastructure.
Authorities are expected to continue monitoring ongoing railway projects and implementing measures designed to ensure safer and more efficient train operations across Nigeria.
