Concern Over Delays In Port Harcourt-Aba Narrow Gauge Rail Rehabilitation
During an inspection visit to the Eastern District Terminus in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Friday, 29th March 2024, the Honourable Minister of Transportation, Senator Said Ahmed Alkali, voiced significant concerns regarding the progress of the Port Harcourt-Aba narrow gauge railway rehabilitation.
Accompanied by key officials including the Permanent Secretary, Olufemi Oloruntola; Director of Railway Transport Services, Engineer Zirra Finbar; Director of Legal Services, Barrister Pius Oteh; and the Managing Director of the Nigeria Railway Corporation, the Minister was displeased to find the project lagging behind its scheduled completion.
Anticipated to enhance connectivity between the bustling ports of Port Harcourt and Onne to Aba, the project’s slow pace has failed to meet the expectations set for this vital transport link, crucial for facilitating efficient cargo movement. Despite previous briefings suggesting near completion, Senator Alkali’s second site visit revealed that substantial work remains, falling short of national expectations.
The Minister criticised the contractor, Messrs CECC, for the delays and emphasised the need for accelerated efforts to ensure the project’s completion by April 2024. The project, crucial for its role in economic connectivity, is backed by 13% counterpart funding from the Federal Government of Nigeria, reflecting a commitment to expedite progress and secure additional financing.
Furthermore, Senator Alkali’s visit highlighted security concerns, noting insufficient measures to prevent vandalism, crucial for safeguarding the infrastructure investment. The visit continued to Obingbo, marking the boundary between Rivers and Abia States, where the Minister and his team observed an NRC Locomotive navigating the newly rehabilitated tracks, a testament to the partial successes amid broader challenges.
Concluding his inspection, Senator Alkali visited Isiagu in Ebonyi State to review the manufacturing progress of rail sleepers at the CECC production yard, another critical component of the project. The visit coincided with Good Friday, underscoring the Minister’s dedication as he continued to work through the public holiday.
The day was set to end with a strategic meeting with the Governor of Enugu State, H.E. Peter Mba, focusing on further developments in railway projects and infrastructure across the Eastern Corridor, aiming to bolster regional development through improved rail connectivity.
