The Federal Government has officially kickstarted the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the long-neglected Eastern railway corridor, a strategic move aimed at reviving Nigeria’s rail transport sector and boosting economic activity across the southeastern and northeastern regions.
Confirming the development, the Eastern District Manager of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Victor Adamu, disclosed in Enugu on Wednesday that rehabilitation work has already begun on the narrow-gauge tracks stretching from Port Harcourt (Rivers State) to Aba (Abia State) a vital segment of the corridor.
“We are pleased to announce that the first phase of the contract has commenced, beginning from Port Harcourt to Aba. The project officially kicked off on November 28, 2024,” Adamu said during a nationwide railway infrastructure survey conducted by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
The Eastern rail corridor, a historic route originally designed to connect Port Harcourt to Maiduguri in Borno State, cuts across key states including Enugu, Abia, Ebonyi, Rivers, and parts of Benue.
While the segment from Aba to Enugu has experienced delays, Adamu assured that efforts are underway to restart work on that stretch soon.
He emphasized the Federal Government’s renewed commitment under President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda”, which prioritizes critical infrastructure as a driver of regional development.
“This is a transformational project that will bring lasting impact not only to the Southeast but to other regions connected by this line,” Adamu added.
“We’re engaging stakeholders and state governors to ensure smooth execution and sustainability.”
The NRC is already operating rail services between Port Harcourt and Aba, five days a week — a positive step toward restoring public trust in rail transportation.
Adamu revealed that under a newly introduced policy by President Tinubu’s administration, state governments are now permitted to invest in railway infrastructure — a move designed to decentralize funding and spur regional collaboration.
States such as Anambra, Abia, and Enugu have expressed interest in leveraging this policy to support the railway sector’s revival.
“With increased state involvement, we expect to witness a new era of public-private cooperation that will fast-track development and bring tangible results,” he noted.
Despite these positive strides, the NRC faces serious threats from vandalism and theft of critical railway materials — a challenge that continues to hamper progress.
“The greatest setback we face today is the activities of vandals, especially on our tracks and communication facilities,” Adamu lamented.
To combat this, the NRC is working closely with the Nigeria Police Force, Civil Defence Corps, the military, and local vigilante groups to safeguard assets.
He confirmed that several arrests have been made in Imo, Rivers, and Enugu States, with suspects already facing prosecution.
