Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti has expressed optimism that the fresh leadership at the Nigeria Railway Cooperation(NRC) would bring the needed speed and quality to the railway projects, particularly in the South-East.
Governor Otti stated this on Tuesday, during a meeting with a delegation of the NRC, led by the new Managing Director, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, at Nvosi Isialangwa South.
The Governor who emphasized the critical role of transportation in economic development, described transportation as “one of the most important Sectors of the economy”
He recalled previous engagements with the NRC regarding the reconstruction of the Aba-Port Harcourt rail line, which he noted was eventually delivered.
The Governor however expressed concern that progress had stalled on the Umuahia and Enugu segments of the corridor, which were originally scheduled for completion by the first quarter of 2024.
He cited his personal experiences from his youth when rail services between Umuoba and Port Harcourt were efficient and timely and regretted the retrogression in transport development.
Governor Otti expressed confidence that under the new MD, the trajectory of the NRC’s work, particularly in the South-East, will change for the better.
“I am very happy to welcome you as the MD Nigeria Railway Cooperation and your team.
“I have no doubt that the ideas that have been put on the table even long before your tenure, some of them have been struggling but I believe that as you get down to work it would be done.
“The speed with which the other parts of the corridor where executed and the speed at which the execution is happening right now are different but, I’m sure you’ll change the trajectory very soon.
“I know in 2023 we had a discussion with your prodcessor, he actually gave timelines for the delivery of the Ana corridor from Portharcourt, it took someone but it was delivered.
“After that, before the end of 2023, early part or first quarter of 2024, Umuahia would have been connected but I don’t think anything has happened and from there.
“Work was supposed to begin from Enugu and then move towards Benue, that was the original plan. I am confident that you will bring the needed speed and quality to the railway projects”, Governor Otti remarked.
The Governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to overhauling the State’s transport sector, to enhance economic activities, boost efficiency and accessibility adding that efforts are ongoing efforts to modernize the transport system in Abia.
“We felt it was important to replicate what we have elsewhere not necessarily in Oshodi, actually we were thinking of Paddington in the UK where you have the bus terminal, everything converging in a place,
“Paddington never sleeps, that’s the kind of business we want to introduce in Umuahia. Umuahia can’t wait., so if there’s anything we’ll do to fast track it, we can deliver this in record time.”, Otti said.
Responding to concerns about the security of NRC assets in Aba, Governor Otti promised to look into the issue and provide necessary support, including logistics.
The Governor reiterated that the state government does not discriminate between federal and state projects, citing Abia’s involvement in the rehabilitation of Port Harcourt Road among others.
“In Abia, we don’t draw lines between federal and state projects. We’re here to partner with any agency that wants to bring development to our people”, Governor Otti said.
Earlier, the leader of the Delegation and Managing Director Nigerian Rail way Cooperation Dr Kayode Opeifa said that the meeting was to deepen discussions on the plans ,share ideas on how best to revive and put into use the Aba -Umuahia rail line and add value to the nation’s economy.
He said that their target is to reduce inflation, stabilize the economy, and drastically reduce the cost of transporting goods and services within the Southern part of the country and nation at large.
“We are here to deepen relationships and take advantage of the benevolence of the Government of Abia state to make sure that our rail through the revitalization program and the rail revolution under the renewed hope agenda is actualized and that is achievable”, the NRC Boss stated.
Dr Opeifa said that they have the mandate to ensure that all major cities in the south East are connected to the national rail line, adding that the team will continue to collaborate with the South East Development Commission to achieving their mandate.
Highlights of the meeting was the presentation of briefs on the proposed Umuahia Railway and bus terminal by the General Manager Umuahia Capital Development Authority UCDA Mr Kingsley Agomoh while the Commissioner for Transport Dr Chimezie Ukaegbu and other government officials were part of the meeting.
