Nigerian Railway Corporation Confirms Imminent Resumption Of Aba-Port-Harcourt Train Services
The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Engr. Fidet Okhiria has assured that Aba – Port-Harcout train services will resume soon.
All is now set for the imminent start of operations in the Eastern District, confirmed the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Engr. Fidet Okhiria, on January 10, 2024, in Port-Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State.
During an inspection of the work progress between Aba and Port-Harcourt, Engr. Okhiria reassured Eastern railway passengers that trains would soon be a common presence, their horns sounding throughout the cities in the region. This inspection, motivated by the NRC management’s eagerness to restart services, led to the discovery that while the main line from Port-Harcourt to Aba has been finished, efforts are now focused on completing the signalling systems, loop lines, and workshop lines at all stations along the route.
Accompanied by senior officials including the Director of Mechanical Engineering, Jerry Oche, the Director of Operations, Mr. Akin Oshinowo, the Director of Civil Engineering, Engr. Adekunle Ayeni, and the Railway District Manager for the East, Mr. Mohammed M. Ibrahim, the MD visited key stations and infrastructure sites.
Addressing the issue of vandalism, Engr. Okhiria appealed to the public to protect NRC facilities as their own. Despite financial hurdles in supporting the Nigerian Police and the NSCDC Railway Command, the MD assured that management is committed to safeguarding railway infrastructure.
He acknowledged funding challenges but was optimistic that once the Port-Harcourt to Aba stretch is complete, work will continue towards Umuahia, Enugu, and ultimately to Maiduguri.
Regarding the rolling stock, Engr. Okhiria stated that contracts were simultaneously awarded for the tracks and for standard and narrow gauge rolling stock. He confirmed preparations are underway to ensure coaches, wagons, and locomotives are ready for service, with staff being actively trained and rehearsed for the operational resumption.
The Managing Director also issued a warning against any obstructions within the railway’s right of way, stating the NRC’s authority to remove illegal structures without seeking permission.
During the visit, the inspection team observed contractors applying the finishing touches and ballasting the remaining sections of the track. Members of the team included DS EG, Mr. Stanley Nwosu, DPRO(E)EG, Dr. Onyedikachi S. Onovo, DMEE R, Engr. Basil Nwankwor, and DE(E)EG, Engr. Blessing Okoro. Present at the site were representatives from KHAIRI AND JAMUB GLOBAL SERVICES LIMITED, the project consultants, and the Chinese Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC), led by Mr. Cheng and his team.
