Plateau State Government has taken a major step towards reviving rail transport in the state. This comes after the state signed a fresh agreement with the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to restore and begin operations along the historic Jos–Kuru railway corridor.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed at the NRC headquarters in Lagos. Representing Plateau State at the event was the Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Jatau Davou. On the NRC side, the Managing Director, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, led the federal agency. The MoU is expected to breathe new life into a once-busy railway route that many people in the state still remember with nostalgia.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Commissioner Jatau Davou said the agreement was not just about trains and tracks. According to him, it represents a new beginning for the people of Plateau State and a big move towards economic growth. “This is not just about rail transportation; it is about restoring hope and economic prosperity to our people,” he said.
He also used the opportunity to thank the Minister of Transportation, Hon. Said Ahmed Alkali, for his continued support. The commissioner said despite the many challenges, the minister stood by the state. Davou also praised Dr. Opeifa, who recently became the head of the NRC, for quickly stepping in to make the Jos–Kuru rail project a priority.
The commissioner added that the Plateau State government is grateful to the United Nations for speaking positively about the state and countering negative stories. He said the support from international partners like the UN helps the state stay focused on development.
The Jos–Kuru railway line is not just any railway. It is part of a larger network that once connected major parts of Nigeria. The route links the Kafanchan–Kuru line, which connects both the Western line from Lagos to Kano and the Eastern line from Port Harcourt to Maiduguri. The revival of this link means goods and people will move faster between the North, South, East, and West.
The impact of this project is expected to be felt across many sectors. Farmers, traders, and business owners will benefit from the ease of moving cargo and produce. With the trains back on track, the cost of transportation in Plateau State may also go down. For people living in nearby communities, the return of the railway will reduce travel time and provide a more reliable transport option.
Dr. Kayode Opeifa, while speaking at the event, highlighted the importance of collaboration between the federal and state governments. He said infrastructure projects like railways can only succeed when both levels of government work together. He commended Plateau State for showing leadership and taking the initiative to revive an important part of the country’s transport system.
He also mentioned that the NRC is committed to making the project a success, adding that this partnership could serve as a model for other states hoping to revive old rail routes.
With this new agreement in place, Plateau State is set to make progress in transport, business, and development. The rail project is expected to start soon, and many residents are hopeful that it will bring long-awaited relief to the state’s struggling transport system.
