Under the visionary leadership of Hon. Jatau Davou Gyang, Commissioner for Transportation, Plateau State has embarked on an ambitious journey to revolutionize public transportation and ease the burden on citizens following the removal of fuel subsidies.
In an interview with the engineer spearheading this transformative project, Engr. Jethro B. Shikmang shared remarkable insights into how Plateau State is leading the way in innovative transportation solutions.
When the federal government announced the permanent removal of fuel subsidies, transport fares across Nigeria skyrocketed overnight. Recognizing the immediate impact on Plateau State residents, the Governor took decisive action.
“Our Governor, being a responsive leader, took swift action. I approached the Nigerian Railway Corporation with a mission to activate an intra-city mass train transit service to cushion the effect of the fuel subsidy removal,” Engr. Shikmang revealed.
The project required substantial rehabilitation work. The train services had been abandoned for years, and tracks had been vandalized by scavengers seeking steel and metal products. The Ministry, working with the Nigerian Railway Corporation, calculated rehabilitation costs at approximately ₦600 million, which His Excellency graciously approved and released.
The project faced unexpected obstacles, including interference from other states and attempted theft of rolling stock. Despite these challenges, the team successfully restored the line from Jos main terminal to Bukuru, then down to Kuru. Rolling stock was refurbished, repainted, and prepared for operation.
“In June 2024, train services officially commenced,” Engr. Shikmang announced. His Excellency directed that train services from Jos to Bukuru would be completely free for six months from June to December 2025.
Under Commissioner Hon. Jatau Davou Gyang’s guidance, this project creates vital economic links between Jos, Bukuru, and Kuru Station. Farmers can now transport agricultural products to market efficiently, while traders can conduct business and return home the same day via affordable rail transport.
The tourism potential is equally exciting. Even during trial periods, schools and organizations approached the Nigerian Railway Corporation for train rides. For many young people in the region, this will be their first train experience.
Engr. Shikmang made a passionate appeal to the community regarding vandalism of rail tracks: “The reactivation of the train service is for the good of the people of Plateau State. It will help reduce the cost of transportation, just as the Metro Bus initiative has helped stabilize transport fares.”
“We believe that once the commissioning happens, we will witness a surge in patronage and a revival of interest in rail transport here in Plateau State,” the engineer concluded optimistically.
This achievement stands as a testament to what responsive governance can accomplish under the leadership of Commissioner Hon. Jatau Davou Gyang. As the state awaits official commissioning, Plateau State is moving forward on the right track, with rails restored, trains ready, and a vision extending far beyond transportation into economic empowerment and community development.
This interview was conducted with Engr. Jethro B. Shikmang, Director of Transport Engineering at the Plateau State Ministry of Transport, working under Commissioner Hon. Jatau Davou Gyang to revolutionize transportation infrastructure across Plateau State.