By Anastasia John E.
In a bid to enhance transportation infrastructure and stimulate economic activities within Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu has promised to expedite the completion of the Eastern Rail Line project. This ambitious project aims to connect the oil-rich Niger Delta region in Port Harcourt to the northern city of Maiduguri.
During an interactive session with South-East leaders in Enugu State, President Tinubu reassured the audience of his commitment to finishing the reconstruction and expansion of the current narrow-gauge railway. The Eastern Rail Line project, initiated by former President Muhammadu Buhari, includes renovating the existing 1,443-kilometer line and adding new branch lines to Owerri and Damaturu, extending the total length to 2,044 kilometers. The estimated cost of this project is $3.02 billion, with the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation being tasked to execute the plan.
Despite facing challenges like funding delays and security concerns, President Tinubu remains steadfast in his promise to complete the rail line, acknowledging its potential to boost Nigeria’s non-oil exports and overall economic growth.
Furthermore, during the session, President Tinubu also pledged to support the development of the Anambra Basin, a significant energy reserve estimated to hold up to 1 billion barrels of oil and 30 billion cubic feet of gas. This move aims to harness the basin’s resources to benefit not just the Southeast region but the entire country, including the Middle Belt and the North.
In his address, President Tinubu emphasized the importance of investing in gas infrastructure as an alternative to petrol, highlighting the need to accelerate progress in this sector. He commended the efforts of Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah in spearheading development initiatives and reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to supporting states in their growth endeavors.
”No one of us has control of the mother tongue. God created us, and you can find yourself in Enugu, Onitsha, or Lagos. We are all members of one huge family called Nigeria, but we live in different rooms in the same house. We must build this house to satisfy our immediate and future needs.”
The President’s visit to Enugu State also saw the inauguration of several key projects executed by the state government, showcasing a commitment to modernization and progress. Through collaborative efforts and strategic investments, President Tinubu envisions a future where Nigeria flourishes economically and socially, cementing the nation’s position as a leader on the continent.
