Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has expressed concern over the removal of railway sleepers along the AlkaleriāTafawa Balewa rail corridor, describing the development as troubling and potentially harmful to the stateās economic interests.
The governor reportedly came across contractors removing the sleepers on Saturday while travelling to Alkaleri Local Government Area on a condolence visit.
Worried by the activity, he called on relevant authorities and security agencies to urgently intervene and clarify the situation.
A visibly displeased Mohammed questioned the basis for dismantling the rail infrastructure, adding that such critical national assets should not be tampered with without proper consultation with the state government.
He immediately directed his Chief of Staff to write to the Federal Ministry of Transport, seeking clarification, while expressing concern that key infrastructure within the state was being dismantled without the knowledge of state authorities.
The governor noted that security personnel accompanying the contractors claimed they were acting on directives from the Federal Government.
However, he maintained that the explanation was insufficient, given the importance of the rail line to the transportation and distribution of agricultural produce in the affected areas.
Mohammed warned that removing the railway sleepers could worsen transportation challenges and negatively affect economic activities in communities that rely on the rail corridor for the movement of goods.
He also stressed the need for transparency and stronger collaboration between federal and state authorities, noting that decisions affecting critical infrastructure must consider their economic implications for local communities and livelihoods.
Further checks later indicated that the contractors were reportedly acting on a letter from the Federal Government authorising the removal of the rail tracks, although no reason was provided for the action.
Addressing residents of the affected communities, the governor assured that he would pursue the matter in Abuja, reiterating that railway transportation remains one of the most viable and cost-effective means of moving goods and services for ordinary citizens.
Mohammed also questioned whether the Federal Government had abandoned plans to rehabilitate railway infrastructure across the country, particularly in the North-East, which he said remains underserved in terms of critical infrastructure.
Gov Bala Mohammed raises alarm over removal of rail infrastructure in Bauchi
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