Following complaints by passengers of non-functional toilet facilities in some of the train stations, the Minister of Transport, Senator Saidu Ahmed Alkali has vowed to sanction the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) Fidet Okhiria.
In an unscheduled visit to the Idu Train Terminal in Abuja at the weekend, the minister was greeted with a series of complaints by passengers at the station.
The complaints ranged from non-functioning of toilet facilities in some of the coaches, non-payment of allowances, and unkempt condition of the coaches.
Alkali said, “Seeing is believing, as I have seen by myself. I inspected the coaches and some of the toilet facilities are not working.
“I received a complaint from the security escorts that in the last five months their allowances were not paid and I am happy that the MD of NRC is appearing before the ministry on Tuesday to brief.
“I am now well informed that the lifts and escalators aren’t working, which makes it very difficult for the elderly and the disabled persons to use the train for traveling. Therefore, he would explain why the disciplinary action wouldn’t be taken against him”.
According to the minister, the essence of the visit was achieved.
“So, from the experience when the visit is scheduled, they will be able to put some of the things in place because they know you are coming to see it”
He assured that in the next 48 hours, the escalators and the lift will be working.
“I am also going to ensure that the outstanding allowances of the escorts are paid on Monday.
“I am going to liaise with the Ministry of Defense so that we’re going to ensure that we’ve maintained unmanned area vehicles so that it’d give them protection from the air. “The coaches are unkempt. The seats aren’t clean. So, we need to ensure that all these things are put in place,” he stressed
