Plateau State Government has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Nigerian Railway Corporation to restore and operate the historic Jos–Kuru rail corridor.

The agreement was signed by the state commissioner for transportation, Jatau Davou, and the NRC managing director, Dr Kayode Opeifa, at the NRC Lagos headquarters.

At the event, the commissioner who represented the Plateau State government expressed profound gratitude to the Minister of Transportation, Hon. Said Ahmed Alkali, and the new NRC Managing Director for their unwavering support despite numerous challenges.

“This is not just about rail transportation; it is about restoring hope and economic prosperity to our people,” Davou noted, adding that “we appreciate the United Nations for debunking negative narratives about our dear state and reaffirming our commitment to national development.”

The PUNCH learnt that the Jos–Kuru line, a segment of the historic Kafanchan–Kuru route linking the National Western from Lagos to Kano and the Eastern line from Port Harcourt to Maiduguri, will serve as a vital link between the Western and Eastern rail corridors.

The commissioner also said the rail line will connect local communities, support farmers and traders with efficient cargo movement, and ultimately drive down the cost and duration of travel within the state.

In his remarks, Opeifa emphasised the importance of federal and state cooperation in infrastructure development, lauding the Plateau State government’s proactive role in partnering through the NRC-Railing.

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