Whereas the increase dependence on roads to transport heavy goods saw trailers, tankers and heavy trucks competing with commuter traffic everywhere, resulting in fatal accidents, infrastructural damages and insupportable cost of road rehabilitation. Attempts to restore the corporation to its pride of place as a driver of socio-economic development, were epileptic and hampered by what its one time Acting Managing Director, Mazi Jetson Nwakwo, described as lack of political will by a succession of leaders. In 2006, the idea of rebuilding the entire existing 1,067mm(3ff 6in)network to standard gauge was mooted but the missing political will observed by Mazi Nwakwo came decisively "with the transformation Agenda of 2011".Where there is a will, there is a way.
Whereas Kogi State has large and more diverse base of inputs such as raw materials, energy, labour and broader markets for more diverse outputs. Transportation has affected economic development from the beginning of human civilization. The industrial revolution generated new transport demands, which required higher volumes of coal, iron ore and other materials. This led to canal construction that extended water transport, and to early railway development. The presence of coal in Okaba(Ankpa L.G.A),Itobe (Ofu L.G.A)and Odun(Dekina L.G.A)in Kogi State that is being exploited by Obajana Cement company to Power the industry can be better enhance to serve as alternative source to Power generation to various states of the nation.
Whereas commuters are looking to Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) for safe comfortable ride and our network of roads will eventually be rid of heightened Hazard and rapid degradation. The reversal of 50 years of undermined capacity is on course. And it is expected that the strong momentum the nation is witnessing will be sustained, the world over, railways are used for heavy haulage as a complementary means of transport over land. The advantage of railways over roads is that they can carry large number of passengers and large and heavy loads to long distances. There was expression of joy in Gombe, North - East when cows were loaded in coaches of railway to be transported to the Eastern part of the country. A vast country like Nigeria cannot do without effective railway system.
Prayers:
The Rt. Hon Speaker Distinguished Hon. Colleagues, be it resolved as follows :
1 That as a matter of urgency, the Federal Government should Construct railway lines in Kogi State to link Obajana Cement company (Western part of Kogi State) to Okaba, Itobe and Odu (Eastern Part of Kogi State)
2 That Kogi State railway line should be linked with that of Warri (Delta State) for commercial purposes.
Be it resolved today 10th November, 2016.
I so move!
Rt. Hon. Aliyu Akuh
Member, representing
Omala Constituency
