Labour kicks as FG okays rail construction to Niger Republic for N800bn

LAGOS, Nigeria – The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria has described the Federal Government’s approval for the construction of a rail line linking Nigeria to Niger Republic as an insult and waste of our scarce resources.

The project will be funded with with loan to the tune of $1.96 billion about N800 billion.

In a statement signed by Comrades Quadri A. Olaleye  and Musa-Lawal Ozigi Chairman and Secretary, TUC , the group noted that by this latest move it has “indeed become obvious to the world that the managers of our country have ulterior and sinister motives: to ruin this country”,.

The union explained that while congress is not averse to development,  constructing rail lines to Kano, Katsina and Dutse is understandable but they query the rationale for extend it to Niger Republic.

“Why should we borrow from the IMF, World Bank and China to build a rail line to Niger Republic? Is there something this government is not telling us?  How could the federal government come up with such an idea in a country where potable water has become a luxury; right to electricity is regarded as a taboo for an average citizen, roads have become death traps and our health facilities lack malaria drugs? That sum – $1.96bn when exchanged at the rate of N380 per dollar is almost N800bn. This can do a lot in the economy”, Labour said.

They explained that the outbreak of the pandemic has exposed Nigeria to the world, with federal government begging for ventilators and nose masks.

“ Our education sector is in shambles. Agreements reached with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) over a decade ago are yet to be met.  We are celebrating six decades of independence yet Ghana, South Africa, etc. are threatening and treating Nigerians in their country with disdain. It hurts. It really does!”, the union said.

Quoting a report from the Debt Management Office, the workers said Nigeria’s total debt rose to $79.5 billion (N28.63 trillion as of the first quarter of 2020). Debt servicing gulps trillions of naira yearly.

“News had it that Nigeria’s sovereignty is at stake if the country fails to pay China! How could the Federal Executive Council (FEC) accept such now? Or, has the Niger Republic annexed Nigeria? Government has not completed the road that connects Nigeria with other Western African countries yet the President Buhari-led administration approves construction of a rail line to Niger! What is Nigeria paying for? Or, could this be another way of looting our commonwealth in preparation for the 2023 electioneering campaign? The whole thing is becoming more confusing”, the workers union said, stressing that there are many roads seeking attention throughout the country.

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“The Lagos- Ibadan expressway services every vehicle coming into Lagos, including the ones from Kano, Katsina and Dutse; why has it not been completed? The Niger Delta that lays the golden egg does not have good roads and potable water. They neither fish in their water nor go to the farm because of oil spillage.

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“Yes, it is true that the NDDC was supposed to provide most of the basics; unfortunately, the reverse is the case because of corruption. Those appointed to manage the Commission ended up looting it dry. None is in jail because in the very first place it was a political settlement. Since someone fainted during the National Assembly probe of the Commission, we have not heard anything again on the matter. It is shameful it happened at a time our “incorruptible” president holds sway. All we are saying is that Charity begins at home! This is not the time for profligacy and licentious spending; the government must manage our lean purse prudently.

“We must set our priorities right because Nigeria is becoming a laughing stock to the whole world. Tinkering with such ideas at a time the electricity tariff has been increased and fuel price hiked is indeed suicidal. Nigeria should stop playing big brother at the expense of Nigerians. This government is not being fair to Nigerians. Simple”, TUC said.