Kaduna—President Goodluck Jonathan, said yesterday that his administration had intensified efforts to modernise and transform the nation’s railway system for national prosperity and development.

The president, who spoke at the inauguration of Diesel Multiple Unit, DMU, passenger service for intra-city Kaduna, said transforming and modernising the rail system would facilitate national growth and development.

Jonathan, who was represented by Vice President Namadi Sambo, said the essence of much attention to the railway system was to reduce the cost of moving goods and services across the country and make Nigerians happy.

He, however, lamented that in the last 30 years, the railway sector had suffered neglect by previous administrations and restated that the present administration had rekindled hope in the lives of Nigerians and assured that effective and efficient rail system would continue to be their priority.

In his speech, Governor Muktar Yero of Kaduna State, observed that the railway system was the most affordable and easy means of transportation.

He said the state government had worked hard to improve its transportation system by acquiring and distributing vehicles to commuters to ease the transport system.