Tardy Execution of Umuahia –Enugu Railway Corridor Project worries Otti, vows to transform transport sector

From Boniface Okoro, Umuahia

Governor Alex Otti with the Managing Director of Nigeria Railway Corporation, Dr Kayode Opeifa, during his visit

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has expressed worry that progress of work has stalled on the Umuahia to Enugu section of the railway corridor under reconstruction.

By Governor’s revelation, the Umuahia-Enugu corridor railway project originally planned to be completed last year, was yet to be realized.

The Governor’s unease over the stalled project is coming at a time the state government is taking giany steps to transform the transport sector of the state.

While receiving , on Tuesday, 16th April, 2025, a delegation of the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) led by the new Managing Director, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, Dr. Otti, however, expressed optimism that the new management would quicken the completion of the project.

“I am is optimistic that the fresh leadership at the Nigeria Railway Corporation would bring the needed speed and quality to the railway projects across the Nation, especially, the South-East corridor,” the Governor said.

“I have no doubt that the ideas that have been on the table even long before you came on board, may have been struggling, but I believe that as you (New MD) get down to work, it would be done.

“The speed with which the other parts of the corridor were executed and the speed at which the execution is happening right now are different, but, I am sure you’ll change the trajectory very soon,” he added.

On concerns raised about the security of NRC assets in Aba, Governor Otti assured that he would look into the issue and provide necessary support, including logistics, emphasizing that his government does not discriminate between federal and state projects but was always willing to partner with individuals or agencies that want to bring development to the state.

Describing transportation as a sector very important to economic development and growth, the Governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to overhauling the State’s transport sector to enhance economic activities, as efforts were ongoing to modernize the transport system in the State.

“We felt it was important to replicate the transport system we have seen elsewhere, not necessarily in Oshodi.  Actually, we were thinking of Paddington in the UK where you have the bus terminal, train and everything converging in a place. Paddington never sleeps, that’s the kind of business we want to introduce in Umuahia,” he said.

Earlier, the NRC Managing Director, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, had disclosed that the essence of their visit was to deepen discussions and the plans on how best to revive the Aba – Umuahia rail line.

According to him, the corporation intends to add value to the nation’s economy and targets to reduce inflation, stabilize the economy and reduce the cost of transporting goods and services. Opeifa added that, NRC has the mandate to ensure that all major cities in the South-East were connected to the national rail line.

The meeting also featured a presentation on the ongoing construction of Umuahia Railway and Bus terminal by the General Manager, Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA), Mr. Kingsley Agomoh.

The meeting was attended by the Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Chimezie Ukaegbu, Special Adviser on Transport, Dr. Obioma Nwaogbe and the Principal Secretary to the Governor and Chief Strategy Officer to the Government, Mr. Chinenye Mba-Uzoukwu. 

Meanwhile, Abia State government ha s inaugurated a Park Audit Committee charged with conducting a comprehensive assessment, revalidation, and standardization of all motor parks in the state.

Commissioner for Transport, Dr Chimezie Ukaegbu, while inaugurating the Committee, described the initiative as a significant milestone in the Dr. Alex Otti-led administration’s ongoing efforts to enhance transportation system in the state.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Jane Awa, the Commissioner explained that the initiative is designed to identify areas of improvement while addressing key challenges such as traffic congestion, safety, security, and revenue generation.

He stressed that the Park Audit Committee will play a crucial role in improving traffic management, ensuring safer transportation, and optimizing revenue collection.

The Transport Commissioner added that this was in line with the government’s vision for a sustainable and efficient transport system that meets the needs of all residents.

He further urged park operators and transport unions in the state to support and cooperate with the Committee to succeed in its assignment.

Reaffirming the administration’s commitment to innovative governance, Dr Ukaegbu described the initiative as a testament to Governor Alex Otti’s commitment to transforming the transport sector through innovative policies and strategic interventions geared towards making Abia State a model for excellence in Nigeria’s transport sector. 

Responding, the Chairman of the Park Audit Committee, Mr. Nwoko Okeziem, expressed deep appreciation to the state government for entrusting them with the responsibility.

Nwoko assured that the committee would carry out its duties with utmost diligence and align its operations with the administration’s vision for a modern, efficient and sustainable transportation network.