The Borno State Government has unveiled plans to construct the first intra-city rail network in northern Nigeria.
Alhaji Mohammed Bamanga, Commissioner for Transport and Energy disclosed that the project is designed to improve transportation, boost economic activities, and foster sustainable urban development.
Bamanga said that the rail project will feature 12 designated terminals connecting major markets, schools, and public spaces, as well as economically significant locations.
The initiative marks the first of its kind by any of the 19 northern states, with potential expansion plans to cover additional local government areas in the future.
While inspecting the proposed rail terminals and routes alongside the project’s implementation partner, Eighteenth Engineering Company, the Commissioner said that feasibility studies, environmental risk assessments, and community consultations were underway.
“These steps are intended to ensure the project is implemented successfully with minimal disruption to the environment and local communities.
“The rail project will transform the city’s transportation network by easing movement, revitalizing the economy, creating jobs, and opening up economic corridors.
“It will also serve as a cost-effective and energy efficient alternative for the people of Maiduguri,” Bamanga stated.
He said the first phase of the rail network is designed to complement other ongoing infrastructure projects, including the expansion of Maiduguri’s 113km East, West, and South ring roads that connect key communities like Auno, Molai, Polo, and Shagari low-cost housing estates.
Bamanga said that the rail project forms part of Gov. Babagana Zulum’s broader urban renewal strategy.
He said that the state has also introduced electric and gas-powered buses and taxis, offered at subsidized rates to cushion the impact of the recent fuel subsidy removal on residents.
Meanwhile, the Borno Government has distributed food and relief materials to 63,000 victims of recent floods in Ngala Local Government Area.
The distribution targeted Internally Displaced Persons and members of host communities severely affected by the disaster.
The relief items, donated by the Federal Government, included essential food grains such as maize, sorghum, and millet, alongside cash assistance.
The Director-General of the State Emergency Management Agency, Dr Mohammad Barkindo, who supervised the week-long exercise, said that vulnerable households were given priority.
Barkindo commended Gov. Babagana Zulum for his unwavering commitment to humanitarian efforts and expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for its timely intervention.
“This town has been completely cut off from the rest of the state for about four months due to heavy rainfall and flooding.
“The movement of food and essential items to Ngala had been severely disrupted. This intervention aims to alleviate the hardship faced by the people in this LGA,” Barkindo said.
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