The Federal Government has officially handed over the completed 62-kilometer, $3.02 billion Port Harcourt-Aba railway project to the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC). This milestone is part of the broader Port Harcourt-Maiduguri eastern narrow gauge railway initiative launched during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Ayo Dada, Project Supervisor at the Federal Ministry of Transportation, led the handover ceremony in Port Harcourt on Thursday. He highlighted the project’s completion in May and its transformative impact on passenger movement and economic growth in Rivers and Abia states.
Key Features of the Project:
- Rehabilitated and reconstructed 62.8 kilometers of railway subgrade.
- Dismantled tracks measuring 283.06 kilometers.
- Laying of 62.8 kilometers of rail for the main line and 5.69 kilometers for siding lines.
- Reconstruction of 27 turnouts across key stations, including Port Harcourt, Elelenwo, Obuzor, Umugo, and Aba.
Dada noted that with the successful handover of this segment, attention will now shift to completing the Port Harcourt-Maiduguri section. “The contractor has submitted the technical specifications and maintenance manual, and the ministry is dedicated to ensuring the project’s timely completion to boost national development,” he added.
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Impact on Commuters and Economy:
NRC Managing Director, Ben Iloanusi, represented by Deputy Manager (Civil), Adesegun Ogunade, praised the government and the Ministry of Transportation for their commitment. He emphasized that the rail service, already operational, offers affordable and efficient transportation, alleviating the economic strain on passengers.
“Train services have significantly eased commuting between Port Harcourt and Aba, making it faster, cheaper, and more convenient. This is a tangible result of the government’s policies and programs,” Ogunade remarked.
Enhanced Security Measures:
To ensure the safety of passengers and infrastructure, the NRC has engaged vigilante groups and implemented other security strategies. Ogunade reassured the public of the federal government’s commitment to safeguarding railway users.
As work progresses on the Port Harcourt-Maiduguri phase, this development marks a significant step in Nigeria’s quest for modernized and accessible rail transportation.
