Port Harcourt: The Federal Government has urged state governments and the private sector to engage actively in enhancing railway services nationwide. Dr. Kayode Opeifa, Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), emphasized this call during an inspection of facilities at the Port Harcourt railway station.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dr. Opeifa highlighted that increased involvement from both state authorities and private investors would play a crucial role in revitalizing the railway sector, thereby contributing significantly to economic growth. He stated, “Their participation will align with the Renewed Hope Agenda to restore the railway to its rightful place within the nation’s transport infrastructure.”
Dr. Opeifa’s visit to Port Harcourt was part of a comprehensive assessment of operational conditions along the Eastern corridor, stretching from Port Harcourt to Maiduguri and from Port Harcourt to Warri. He explained that the visit aimed to explore how the Rivers government could participate in rail operations within its jurisdiction. “The narrow-gauge tracks pass through Port Harcourt to Aba, so the state government can also participate by operating the rail route from Port Harcourt to Aba,” he noted.
Highlighting ongoing initiatives, Dr. Opeifa mentioned that Plateau State has already launched the ‘Rail on the Plateau’ initiative, and expressed interest in seeing the contributions of the Rivers State Government. He also appealed to capable private sector actors to invest in coaches and locomotives.
The NRC managing director reported that the Port Harcourt to Aba railway route was functioning smoothly, and that construction would soon begin on the Enugu-Maiduguri segment of the project. He further disclosed plans to connect both the Eastern and Western rail corridors via water, utilizing an integrated multi-boarded transport system. “The Port Harcourt-Aba-Enugu route falls within the Enugu corridor. Our purpose here is to assess the progress and relevance of the ongoing narrow-gauge construction. Although the construction has reached Aba, we are optimistic that work on the Enugu section will soon accelerate,” he said.