Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has expressed full support to the Nigerian Railway Corporation’s efforts in the ongoing rehabilitation of the 63-kilometre Port Harcourt-Aba and the 51-kilometre Aba – Umuahia railway lines.
Governor Otti made the pledge when he met with officials of the Nigeria Railway Corporation, Eastern District who were on a business visit at this Nvosi, Isialangwa North country home.
The Governor promised to address concerns related to security and emphasized the importance of engaging the local communities in safeguarding railway installations.
He pointed out the pivotal role rail transportation used to play in the nation’s mobility, which dwindled over the past three decades and noted that he was desirous to see the revival of train services on the Eastern rail tracks after a prolonged absence.
Governor Otti who promised to support the corporation with all necessary resources to operate effectively within the state, requested regular updates on the ongoing rehabilitation of the railway line.
He however warned that those involved in rail line vandalization would face severe consequences as stipulated by the laws of the land.
The railway district manager, Mr. Modibbo Mohammed, disclosed that the purpose of their visit was to update the Governor on the progress of the railway track rehabilitation from Port Harcourt to Abia state.
He mentioned that the first phase, covering 63 kilometres from Port Harcourt to Aba, is expected to be completed by the end of the current year, with the second phase covering 51 kilometres from Aba to Umuahia is set for delivery in the first quarter of the next year.
Mr. Modibbo requested the Governor’s assistance in combating rail track vandalization and appealed for a patrol vehicle to enhance security.
He highlighted the potential of fully operational railway services to generate employment for the youth as well as offer an alternative transportation option and commended Governor Otti for the infrastructural development achieved in the state during his first four months in office.
Several officials, including the Principal Secretary and Chief Strategist to the Governor, Mr Chinenye Mba-Uzoukwu, the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Engr. Ikechukwu Monday, Commissioner for Information and Culture Prince Okey Kanu, Commissioner for Trade, Commerce and Industry, Dr Chimezie Ukaegbu, were present during the meeting.
Others include; the Commissioner for Transport, Comrade Sunny Onwuma, Special Adviser to the Governor Trade Commerce and Industry, Chief Nwaka Inem, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Due Process, Dr Oluebube Chukwu, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Homeland Security, Mr Chukwunenye Alajemba among others.
