In today's news analysis correspondent examines the need for stakeholders to revive the rail transportation system in the country in line with global standard.
Rail transportation is a means of transporting people, goods and services on wheeled vehicles running on rail, also known as tracks, from one point to another.
Rail transportation is one of the oldest means of transportation in the world.
In Nigeria during the colonial era and after independence, rail transportation was effectively used to transport human beings as well as goods and services from one part of the country to the other.
Today the railway system in Nigeria has become dysfunctional, no thanks to political instability and high level of financial corruption.
However in the latter part of the Jonathan administration, some steps were taken towards reviving the nation's railway system, while the Buhari administration has gone further to consolidate on the Dr Jonathan's initiative.
Countries such as Great Britain, Russia, Holland, France, China, Japan, and South Africa amongst others all effectively utilize their railway systems with positive multiplier effects on their various economies.
Nigeria needs to copy these lofty examples by building more train stations and constructing more rail tracks to more parts of the country.
No doubt rail transportation has proven to be one of the safest and cheapest means of transporting goods and services for a long distances.
Furthermore rail transportation also helps to minimize traffic congestion and pressure on the roads, thereby reducing the rate of motor accident and increasing the life span of Nigeria roads.
The ease of doing business as championed by the Federal Government, through it's economic policy will receive a boost when the country's rail transport system is revamped and effectively utilized.
If the Federal Government is sincere about it's efforts at boosting mass transit in the country, then more resources should be deployed towards revamping the rail transportation sub sector.
