Residents of Keffi Local Government Area in Nasarawa State have urged the Federal Government to establish a train service linking Abuja to Keffi. This appeal comes as citizens seek alternative means of transportation. In interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria, residents expressed their desire for a train service, citing the success of the Abuja-Kaduna train route, which has reduced pressure on vehicular movement.
The proximity of Nasarawa to Abuja, with many civil servants opting for cheaper housing in border communities, has led to an increase in traffic on the highway linking the two areas. Residents believe that a train service would ease this pressure and provide a convenient, comfortable, and reliable means of transportation. Mr. Segun Damisa, a commuter, stated that a train service would be a “game changer,” reducing traffic gridlocks and allowing people to get to work on time.
Hajiya Halima Adamu, another resident, emphasized the security benefits of train travel, noting that it is a safer option compared to vehicular transportation, which is often plagued by criminal activities and accidents. While acknowledging that train travel is not perfect, she highlighted its advantages over road transportation.
Mr. Nwankwo Benedict also expressed his support for the train service, citing the success stories of commuters on the Abuja-Kaduna route. He believes that the construction of a railway line from Abuja to Keffi, and potentially to Lafia and Makurdi, would facilitate easy transportation of goods, including farm produce. Benedict noted that train transportation is convenient, comfortable, and reliable, and that it would be a win-win situation for both the government and the people.
The establishment of a train service linking Abuja to Keffi would have a significant impact on the transportation of people, goods, and services in the region. With the proximity of Nasarawa to Abuja, the project is considered feasible and potentially cheaper than the Abuja-Kaduna train service. The proposed train service would likely take around 30 minutes to travel from Abuja to Keffi, making it an attractive option for commuters. The Federal Government is urged to consider the residents’ appeal and take action to establish a train service that would benefit the community.
