Federal Executive Council (FEC), on Wednesday, approved an N495 million contract for the procurement and installation of scanners in some railway stations in the country, in order to minimise the risk of attacks on the country’s railway services.

The baggage scanners will be installed at the railway stations including Kubwa, Idu, Jere, Rigassa, Kaduna and Kano.

Minister of State for Transportation, Ademola Adegoroye, who announced this to journalists after the Council meeting, presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, also informed the cost of the contract was put at N495 million.

He said the devices were necessary because of the need to enhance the security of lives and property in the nation’s railway facilities, saying “The scanners cost N495 million.

“The Federal Ministry of Transportation had two memos today, which I presented on behalf of the ministry and it had to do with one, the provision of scanners at all railway stations all over the country.

“You’ll all agree with me that in view of the process of security of lives and property, such equipment has to be installed at our railway stations. Since we’re starting the railway revolution, we are trying to put in place a lot of things with the railways. We don’t want people to come and damage all that the government has been trying to put in place in that sector.

“So, today there was a memo before the Council for the provision of baggage scanners at railway stations and I’m happy to inform you that the Council agreed with us and has approved that contract for scanners to be installed at railway stations so that when people get there and have goods, then they can pass through the scanners and they can be sure that there’s nothing that can destroy, that can cause violence or inflict danger or bring lives and property at stake,” he said.