NRC Yet To Receive N330m 2016 Budget Allocation – MD

The Managing Director, Nigeria Railway Corporation, Mr. Fidet Okhiria, on Tuesday told the Senate Committee on Land Transport that the corporation had yet to receive over N330m earmarked for its capital projects in the 2016 budget.

Okhiria said that the NRC was facing serious challenges that include lack of finance, obsolete machineries and workshop equipment.

He said, “Critical infrastructure has to be put in place to avoid falling back to the dark days of the corporation that brought about stoppage of train services through zero budgeting for the corporation.

“I want to appeal to the distinguished Senators and members of the House of Representatives to come to our assistance as the railway is critical to economic development.

“It has the capacity to bring down cost of production if sustained.

“We believe you have the capacity to ensure not only robust yearly allocation, but also prompt budgetary releases to accomplish set goals.”

He said that if the NRC was well-funded, it would support the country’s economic development, and ensure safe, efficient and cost effective transport services.

The managing director said that the NRC could make rail transport the backbone of land transportation in Nigeria.

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