EASTERN RAILWAY CORRIDOR RECONSTRUCTION BEGINS AS FG TARGETS REGIONAL CONNECTIVITY

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has confirmed the commencement of reconstruction work on the Port Harcourt–Maiduguri Eastern railway corridor, with initial efforts focused on the Port Harcourt–Aba stretch.
Victor Adamu, the NRC’s Railway District Manager for the Eastern District, disclosed this during a national infrastructure survey by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). He noted that the Eastern District, covering Rivers, Abia, Enugu, Ebonyi, and parts of Benue, had already seen partial rail services resumed between Port Harcourt and Aba.
The contract for this section was formally handed over to the NRC on November 28, 2024. However, construction on the Aba–Enugu segment remains paused. Adamu assured that the Federal Government is committed to full rehabilitation of the corridor under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He also highlighted a new policy allowing state governments to invest directly in railway development. Enugu, Abia, and Anambra States have expressed interest in partnering with the NRC to fast-track regional rail infrastructure.
Despite progress, Adamu flagged vandalism as a major challenge and called for public support to protect national assets. He disclosed that several vandals have been arrested in Enugu, Imo, and Rivers States and are being prosecuted.