The Nigerian Senate has issued a compelling call to the Federal Government, urging for the immediate upgrade of the Eastern Rail Line, transforming it from a narrow gauge to a standard gauge. This vital call to action stemmed from a motion presented by Senator Victor Umeh (APGA-Anambra) and co-sponsored by 31 other senators during a plenary session.
Highlighting the significance of this motion, Senator Umeh emphasized that the eastern rail line traverses crucial regions, spanning the South-South, South-East, North-Central, and North-East of the country. He eloquently stated, “This runs from Port Harcourt through Enugu, Markurdi, Jos, Bauchi, and Maiduguri, which is the longest and one of the oldest rail lines in Nigeria.”
The motion went on to underscore the immense benefits of a functional railway system, citing its potential to alleviate vehicular congestion on the roads and mitigate their wear and tear. However, an alarming revelation emerged that the narrow gauge rail line from Port Harcourt to Maiduguri had undergone severe neglect, vandalism, and had succumbed to nature’s reclamation, overrun by weeds and trees.
Senator Umeh also shed light on the disappointing turn of events where the Chinese contractors, entrusted with partnering the Federal Government in the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the rail line, absconded without fulfilling their financial commitment, leaving the project in disarray. He passionately implored the federal government to take assertive measures in actualizing the construction of a standard gauge rail line from Port Harcourt to Maiduguri, instilling renewed hope for seamless connectivity.
In a compelling addition to the discussion, Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe (APGA-Abia) reiterated the historical neglect of the eastern rail line, a longstanding issue that has persisted through previous administrations. He lamented, “One of the biggest problems that we had was that no transport minister has been able to give a reason why in the modernization of rail lines built by the colonial masters in Nigeria, only the eastern rail line has been ignored.” Senator Abaribe’s poignant narrative underscored the perennial disparities in infrastructural development across regions, alluding to a sense of urgency in rectifying this deep-rooted injustice.
The proposed upgrade of the Eastern Rail Line received a nod of optimism from Senator Abaribe, who expressed confidence in the impending administration of President Bola Tinubu, insinuating imminent proactive measures to redress the disparity. This sentiment serves as an anthem of hope, resonating with the fervent aspirations of the populace for equitable development and modernization.
In a resounding affirmation of the motion’s significance, President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, underscored its patriotic essence, underscoring the imperative for the federal government to accord it the utmost gravity and expeditious attention. This salient call to action emanates as a beacon of national progress, symbolizing a collective pursuit of prosperity and infrastructural rejuvenation.
The clarion call for the upgrade of the Eastern Rail Line resounds as a resolute plea for equitable development, rekindling the flame of optimism for enhanced connectivity and economic vitality. As the echoes of this impassioned plea reverberate, the nation awaits with bated breath, longing for a future where the Eastern Rail Line stands as a testament to progress, unity, and inclusive growth.
