The Federal Government has announced the resumption of operations on the Port-Harcourt-Aba railway, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing rehabilitation of the 1443km Port-Harcourt-Maiduguri narrow gauge rail project.
This move underscores the government’s commitment to fostering trade, improving mobility, and ensuring connectivity between the southern and northeastern regions of Nigeria.
In an inaugural ceremony on Tuesday, the Minister of Transportation, Sen. Said Alkali, declared the commencement of operations along the rehabilitated 62km rail corridor. Sen. Alkali revealed ongoing discussions with an investor regarding the conversion of locomotives from diesel to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), a step aimed at reducing transportation costs.
The minister, accompanied by officials, embarked on a train ride from Port Harcourt to Aba, symbolizing the launch of passenger train services along the corridor. Sen. Alkali highlighted plans to connect the corridor to Enugu and integrate it with the Onne and Port Harcourt ports, thereby stimulating commercial activities.
Expressing gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support, Sen. Alkali emphasized the significance of the Eastern narrow gauge project, spanning five geopolitical zones of the country. He underscored the government’s commitment to expanding railway services, particularly in the South-South region, where the project marks a historic milestone.
Sen. Alkali also provided insights into the broader rehabilitation project, which involves the overhaul of existing narrow gauge railway lines, construction of modern stations, and acquisition of new rolling stock. The project, awarded to China Civil Engineering and Construction Company (CCECC) in October 2020, is part of the government’s efforts to modernize Nigeria’s transportation infrastructure.
The completion of the Port-Harcourt to Maiduguri railway project, initiated under the administration of President Tinubu, underscores the government’s determination to improve transportation networks nationwide. With the Port-Harcourt-Aba corridor now operational, the government aims to enhance economic activities and promote regional development.
