BY NEWS DESK.
In a groundbreaking move, Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has initiated the construction of an intra-city rail network to connect Maiduguri and its environs.
This pioneering project marks the first of its kind in any of Nigeria's 19 Northern state governments.
The first phase of the project will feature 12 designated terminals within Maiduguri, strategically linking major markets, schools, public places, and economically viable locations.
The project's future expansion plans include covering local government areas, facilitating seamless passenger and goods movement, and opening up economic activities and corridors across the state.
Borno's Commissioner for Transport and Energy, Aliyu Mohammed Bamanga, inspected the proposed rail terminals and routes alongside the implementation partner, Eighteenth Engineering Company (EEC).
Mr. Bamanga noted that feasibility studies, environmental risk assessments, and community consultations are underway to ensure the project's successful implementation.
Upon completion, the project is expected to ease transportation, revitalise the economy, create jobs, and re-engineer the city's transportation network.
Gov. Zulum's innovative intra-city rail project will provide an alternative, cost-effective, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly means of transport, supporting other ongoing transport infrastructural projects.
This project is part of Zulum's strategy to restore peace and prosperity to Borno State, following the devastating effects of the over decade-long Boko Haram insurgency.
His administration has previously commissioned electric and gas-powered taxis and buses at subsidised rates, and embarked on various urban and rural infrastructure projects across the state.