Federal Government has launched the Port Harcourt to Aba rail service. The launch, which took place in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital on Wednesday, marks a new chapter in the region’s transportation history.
Saidu Alkali, the Minister of Transportation, performed the ceremonial launch. He assured the people of the region that the trains would serve them well.
“The trains will work properly to serve you,” he said, instilling confidence in the people about the new service.
The Minister also promised that the expansion of the rail service would continue until the Eastern Standard Gauge from Port Harcourt to Maiduguri is fully completed. This commitment signals the government’s dedication to improving transportation infrastructure in the region.
Following a short ceremony to flag off the train operation, the Minister and other officials present boarded the train for a ride to Aba. This symbolic journey underscored the operational readiness of the new rail service.
The Managing Director of the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC), Fidet Okhiria, expressed his delight that he and his team were able to meet the April deadline set for them. This achievement demonstrates the NRC’s commitment to delivering on its promises.
Earlier in March, Okhiria revealed plans to link the Onne Port to the rails for the movement of goods to Aba, Umuahia, and Enugu.
He said, “We were able to ride on a train, unlike last time when we went by road to Aba. We went on a train to Elelewa because we had other things to do.”
He further explained the plans for the Port Harcourt Port and how they intend to access Onne from Elelewa.
“We did that and compared it to what they had put on the ground as a preliminary design. Physical siting will make us make a quick decision on a final design so that we will be able to recommend to the minister for approval,” he said.
