The Federal House of Representatives Committee on Land Transport has initiated an investigation into the frequent vandalization of railway tracks and other assets belonging to the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) nationwide.
During the investigative hearing, the Committee’s Chairman, Hon. Blessing Onuh, stated that the probe was prompted by reports of alleged theft of NRC assets across the country. The recent incident involving the movement of coaches from Maiduguri to Jos, which raised suspicions, served as a catalyst for the inquiry.
Concerns have been raised by Nigerians regarding the condition of NRC assets, particularly the safety of railway tracks amidst reports of vandalism of track sleepers in various parts of the country.
Reports surfaced last October when train coaches, loaded on special trucks, were intercepted by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) while being transported out of Maiduguri.
Addressing the Committee, the Managing Director of NRC, Freeborn Okhiria, clarified that the Maiduguri incident resulted from a communication gap, leading to allegations and the temporary detention of NRC officials by security agencies. However, the issue was later resolved.
Okhiria explained that the movement of coaches is a routine procedure to relocate them to areas where they are needed. The coaches in Maiduguri were en route to NRC’s workshop in Jos when intercepted.
The NRC chief informed lawmakers that, besides the three trucks apprehended, there are additional trucks located at various points awaiting transfer to NRC custody once investigations by NSCDC and other security agencies are concluded.
Furthermore, Okhiria revealed that the Minister of Transport, Saidu Alkali, has constituted a committee tasked with assessing the volume and value of NRC assets nationwide.
In response, the Committee Chairman directed the Corporation to furnish the panel with all relevant documents pertaining to its activities, ensuring a comprehensive investigation
