TheCable

Rotimi Amaechi, minister for transportation, has pledged to complete all ongoing rail projects in the country.

The immediate past administration of former president Goodluck Jonathan made tremendous achievements in the rail sector but could not conclude some of the projects.

However, speaking when he paid his first visit to his ministry on Wednesday, Amaechi said: “It is necessary to chart a new course towards completing all ongoing projects.”

He also promised that under his watch, rail lines will be extended to all parts of the country.

“It is important that we realise that we have a mandate to deliver on our promises and there is competition among the ministers to deliver and we don’t want to take last,” he said.

“I believe in the principles of discharging my duties…  We are interested in completing all ongoing rail projects around the country because we don’t want to disappoint Nigerians.”

Encouraging the workers to be dedicated, Amaechi warned against corruption.

He said he would resume fully on November 17 when Sabiu Zakari, the permanent secretary of the ministry, would equally assume duty.

Amaechi also called for cooperation from all parastatals and agencies of the ministry and the aviation sector.

He promised to ensure a smooth working relationship with the minister of state for aviation for the development of the sector while meeting the expectations of Nigerians.

In his speech, Hadira Sikira, minister of state for aviation, said: “This is an era of new thinking for the actualisation of the change agenda of the federal government.”

Sirika added that the era of talking tough without acting was over, saying Buhari’s administration would deliver on its promises.

He also pledged to ensure a harmonious working relationship with Amaechi.