FG begins Installation of CCTV on Train coaches

Following the postponement of the Abuja-Kaduna rail services, the Federal Government has commenced the installation of closed-circuit television cameras(CCTV) on train coaches.

This is coming a few days after the Minister of Transportation, Mu’azu Sambo, announced the extension of the train services.

PUNCH had earlier reported last week that some contractors were at the Idu rail station to install the cameras and trackers but couldn’t install them.

It was gathered on Tuesday that two out of the initial three cameras were fixed.

It was also observed that there were people assumed to be the contractors installing the cameras on the coaches at the Idu rail station on tuesday.

However, the surroundings of the stations were still filled with dry grass.

A reliable source within the Idu rail station confirmed the development, saying, “They are mounting the DMU on the other side. They are fixing three cameras on each coach, making it six. There used to be four cameras on each coach but they put three there – two cameras by the side and one at the center,” the source said.

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When contacted, the spokesperson, of Nigerian Railway Corporation, Mahmood Yakubu, said he could not comment on the development.

Abuja-Kaduna Train: We’re 90% ready to commence services — FG

The Minister of Transportation, Mu’azu Jaji Sambo, said the commencement of the Abuja-Kaduna train service was 90 percent ready.

The minister, who spoke to journalists at the Rigasa train Terminal, in Kaduna, shortly after a brief inspection of the Abuja, Idu train station and the Rigasa, Kaduna Terminal respectively, also backtracked on his previous position to conceal certain security measures taken so far to ensure protection of lives and properties of Abuja-Kaduna train subscribers, following commencement of services on the route in days.

While fielding questions from journalists, the minister disclosed that the number of daily trips would be reduced, and that the use of National Identity Number, NIN, would be strictly requested as part of strategies to secure passengers.

He stated that the ministry, in partnership with Nigerian Railway Corporation, NRC, and other bodies would begin profiling of all train subscribers.

He said moves had been made to beef up the number of security personnel, including deployment of hi-tech security apparatus, to boost security.

He also disclosed that train fares would be increased, adding that the resumption of train services was imminent.

Sambo said: “I think we are 90 per cent ready as far as what we are set out to do is concerned. The remaining 10 per cent, I am sure, would be achieved in the next couple of days for full resumption of train services.

“My assurance to Nigerians is that from next week, they will start using this train,  There is absolutely nothing to fear. We have learnt from what has happened and life is about learning lessons and adopting measures with the lessons.

”As a responsible government, we have seen those lessons and we have devised appropriate measures to counter it and as I always say that I was not going to allow this train to resume until everybody in captivity was released, to the glory of God I have achieved that.