The Federal Ministry of Transportation has officially transferred the Port Harcourt-Aba section of the Eastern Narrow-Gauge Railway Project to the Nigerian Railway Corporation signaling a significant milestone in Nigeria’s rail transportation development.
At a ceremony in Port Harcourt, the contractor, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation Nigeria Limited, handed over completed assets to FMOT representatives.
These assets include 62.8 km of rehabilitated and reconstructed subgrade newly laid rail tracks, and refurbished infrastructure critical to the railway’s operation.
The project features several key developments, Rehabilitation and reconstruction of 27 turnouts at various stations, Refurbishment of four steel bridges and reconstruction of a concrete bridge, Construction of 33,275 meters of drainage to improve water flow, Repairs and upgrades of 10 culverts, with 12 newly constructed culverts, Reconstruction of 35 level crossings, ensuring safer passage for vehicles and pedestrians.
The project consultant, Khairi-Jamub Global Services, alongside FMOT, received detailed technical specifications and a maintenance manual from the contractor, ensuring a seamless transfer to the NRC.
The Port Harcourt-Aba section, part of the larger Eastern Narrow-Gauge Railway Project, is designed to connect five geopolitical zones, driving socio-economic growth, trade, and regional mobility.
Deputy Director of Tracks and Civil for NRC, Ogunade Adesegun, who represented the Managing Director, Ben Iloanusi, emphasized the commercial benefits already being realized.
“This railway provides an efficient, faster, and cheaper means of transporting passengers and goods. It is a testament to the government’s commitment to improving Nigeria’s transportation network,” Adesegun said.
He added that NRC has deployed security personnel, including vigilante groups, to safeguard the tracks and infrastructure. Federal security agencies have also put measures in place to protect the investment.
Speaking on the project’s delay, FMOT supervisor Ayo Dada attributed it to the rigorous processes involved in ensuring quality and adherence to standards.
“This is just one segment of the larger project. The completion of the Port Harcourt-Maiduguri rail line will further enhance Nigeria’s transport network and bring economic development to the connected regions,” Dada stated.
The full project, spanning 1,443 kilometers and costing $3.03 billion, connects Port Harcourt to Maiduguri, with significant benefits for southeastern and northeastern regions.
