The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has commenced cargo operations with the haulage of goods from Ogun State to Niger State after 10 years. The cargo train which contained 675 tonnes of cement, arrived Minna yesterday where it was off loaded to be dispatched to different locations.
Speaking with journalists when the goods were being offloaded from the train, the Public Relations Officer of the Minna railway station, Abdulraouf Akinwuye, said the cement was transported from Lafarage Cement Company, makers of WAPCO cement at Ewekoro in Ogun State.
He said the rebirth of the cargo train would create job opportunities for the youths in the state, adding that 50 youths are expected to benefit from the loading, off-loading and transportation of the goods. He also said that other duties like security, clerical duties and sale of the cement would provide job opportunities for the youths.
Akinwuye further said that the company decided to use the cargo part of rail service because of its affordability since it was ready to exploit cheaper means of transportation in order to reduce the cost price of cement in the North.
He said the cement received in Minna would be distributed in Niger State and Abuja, adding that the service of the cargo train will start regularly.
Source: OgoniNews
