The Nigerian government made a groundbreaking announcement, unveiling the completion of the 63-kilometre Port Harcourt-Aba railway project on Wednesday. This significant milestone is part of the ambitious Port Harcourt-Maiduguri railroad initiative championed by President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
During an inspection of the project, Fidet Okhiria, the Managing Director of Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC), disclosed that train services are slated to commence within a few months, pending the finalization of the necessary track enhancements.
While acknowledging that the comprehensive Port Harcourt-Maiduguri rail project is still underway, Mr. Okhiria emphasized the pivotal progress made, with tracks already laid up to Aba. He stressed the urgency to operationalize the railway, highlighting Minister of Transportation Mu’azu Sambo’s directive to expedite the planning for future operations.
In anticipation of the imminent launch of rail services, Mr. Okhiria underscored the imperative of proactive measures to safeguard the infrastructure from vandalism, emphasizing the direct benefits that the populace stands to gain from this transformative project.
Additionally, Mr. Okhiria revealed that the NRC is committed to revamping its existing wagons in parallel with the arrival of new ones. He assured that concerted efforts would ensure the seamless integration of both old and new rolling stock, enhancing the overall appeal and functionality for commuters.
Amid these developments, the managing director conveyed the government’s resolute commitment to completing the Port Harcourt-Maiduguri rail tracks within the next three years, signaling a monumental leap in the country’s transportation landscape.
The decisive strides in Nigeria’s railway modernization not only promise enhanced connectivity and accessibility but also underscore the government’s unwavering dedication to fostering sustainable development and economic progress across the nation. With the impending launch of the Port Harcourt-Aba railway service, Nigeria stands poised to embrace a new era of efficient and reliable transportation, empowering its citizens and propelling socioeconomic growth.
