Between September and October 2016, the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) transported 2,330 cattle from the North to Lagos.
Lagos District Manager, Jerry Oche made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.
He said the corporation transported 450 cattle from Guzau in Zamfara and 1, 880 cattle from Nguru, Yobe to Lagos between September 1 and October 28.
He said the newly introduced cattle coaches of the rail system had helped to reduce the influx of trailers laden with cows and other goods into Lagos, adding that the development would also help to protect the highways.
“This new development will reduce pressure on the country’s highways; more than 2,000 cattle were moved from the north to the west without any hitch.
“The removal of trailers from the highways has also helped to prevent accidents; we hope to collaborate with more stakeholders in cattle business and freight operators to protect our roads.
“Railway is best way to move cattle; it is also the safest and cheapest mode of transportation for both passengers and goods,’’ he said.
According to Oche, NRC is committed to improving services to bring back the glory of the railway system.
He commended the Federal Government for its commitment to restoring the corporation’s freight services.
—-NAN