Train services have returned to Plateau State, bringing joy and nostalgia to many residents. This revival is part of Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s efforts to enhance public services in the state.
Plateau is one of four states preparing to reintroduce train services, following a shift that allows states to operate their own train systems. Over the past two months, a free train service has delighted citizens ahead of the commercial launch.
The return of trains is seen as a promise kept by Governor Mutfwang. Alongside the subsidized Tin City Metro buses, the state government has partnered with the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to reduce transportation costs. Enthusiastic residents line the tracks, waving as the trains pass by.
Benjamin Audu, a resident of the Dogon Karfe area, expressed his happiness, saying, “I am happy with the Governor for reviving the rails. Anytime I hear the train sound, it reminds me of my early days when we used to go on a train ride from here to the far north. You can see the businesses springing up along the train stations. This gesture provides an alternative means of land transportation and reduces the high cost of transportation that we face. If you don’t board the metro buses, you use the train. This is a very welcome development.”
The State Commissioner for Transport, Davou Jatau, confirmed the readiness of the trains, stating, “The NRC had a little hitch but that has been resolved and the trains are ready to move. The tickets are ready for the commercial ride.”
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The NRC’s Public Relations Officer in Jos, Adamu Abdullahi, shared his excitement, noting, “We thank God for everything, you may not have seen our train moving on the tracks, but it is because of the problem we encountered. It was a minor issue but to God be the glory we are going to rectify the issue so any moment from now, we will move again.”
He added, “The collaboration with the State Government is a good one and truly speaking things are going the way they should. We are having lots of people coming to board the train. They are praising the State government, they are thanking the Governor. While on test running, they were free rides for almost two months. We are excited even as staff, we were redundant, we were doing nothing but because of the collaboration, because of the interest that the State government had, they came and collaborated with the Nigerian Railway Corporation, we are now busy from morning to evening. You notice activities are going on unlike before.”
The reintroduction of train services in Plateau State marks a significant step in improving transportation and fulfilling the administration’s promises to its citizens.