Olayemi Esan, Abuja
The Hon Minister of Transport, Rt Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amechi has solicited for Nigerian Army supports in providing security for the workers executing projects for the ministry in various parts of the country.
The minister, who made the disclosure today when he paid a courtesy call on the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Maj Gen Faruk Yahaya at Army Headquarters, for security synergy between the Nigerian Army (NA) and the Ministry of Transportation.
This he said will enhance security at train stations and during the upcoming massive railway constructions in Nigeria.
Congratulating the COAS on his appointment, the Honorable Minister noted that the request became necessary due to the security challenges facing the country adding that the presence of military and other security agencies in various construction sites would boost the morale of the workers and give the expatriates good sense of security in all construction sites across the country.
The Minister further revealed that some railway projects would be channeled through military establishments particularly the rail track linking Kaduna and Kano which is designed to pass through the Nigerian Defence Acedemy new site, stressing that the support of the Nigerian Army to access such areas would greatly reduce the construction costs and enhance the development of the barracks environment.
Responding, the COAS, Maj Gen Faruk Yahaya said the visit was a welcome development stressing that it provided an avenue for the Nigerian Army (NA) and other agencies of government to deliberate on issues of national development.
He assured the minister of the required support adding that the NA stands with any programme or project that enhances national development and improves the welfare of the citizenry.
Highlights of the visit were group photographs, exchange of souvenirs and signing of visitors' register.
