Over 1000 firms bid for 2017 railway projects

Over 1000 companies and firms have expressed interest in 17 categories of projects for the 2017 capital projects of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC).

The Managing Director of the NRC, Engr. Fidet Okhiria, disclosed this while declaring open the process for the opening of bids for the projects.

The MD, represented by the Director of Operations, Mr. Niyi Ali, said the open bidding was aimed at getting the best firms to carry out the projects lined up for implementation in the 2017 fiscal year.

He assured the companies that the NRC would be fair, transparent and impartial in the bidding process which explains why they have made the process open in line with the Procurement Act of 2004.

The projects include the Procurement of Tools, Equipment and Materials for emergency repairs and maintenance of Tracks; Renovation/Upgrade of Railway Stations and other buildings together with associated facilities (nationwide); Procurement of Locomotives, Coaches, Wagons, Railway Inspection Vehicles and Cranes (Narrow Gauge and/or Standard Gauge); among others.

Meanwhile, the NRC has commenced the evacuation of containers from the Apapa Port to ease congestion at the Apapa area and its environs.

Some containers ferried from the port by the NRC trains were being evacuated by trucks during a visit to the NRC loading point at the popular Ebute Metta junction (EBJ). Daily Trust reports that one train movement can carry no fewer than 40 containers.

Speaking with our correspondent, the director of operations said the exercise which started a fortnight ago has already brought some relief to businesses.