The Federal Government is calling on the Rivers State Government to take an active role in running the Port Harcourt–Aba railway, aiming to strengthen rail transport and boost economic activity in the region.
During an inspection at the Port Harcourt railway station on Tuesday, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), highlighted the importance of state and private sector involvement in revitalizing Nigeria’s railways. “The narrow-gauge tracks pass through Port Harcourt to Aba, so the state government can also participate by operating the rail route from Port Harcourt to Aba,” Opeifa said.
The Port Harcourt–Aba rail segment is already fully operational, providing a faster and more affordable travel option for thousands of commuters. The NRC reported moving over 675,000 passengers and generating N1.42 billion in the first quarter of 2024, signaling strong demand on the route.
Opeifa pointed to Plateau State’s successful “Rail on the Plateau” initiative as a model, encouraging Rivers State and private investors to help expand services by investing in coaches and locomotives. He also revealed plans to connect the Eastern and Western rail corridors through inland waterways, creating a multimodal transport network that links rail and maritime routes.
Construction on the Enugu–Maiduguri section of the Eastern corridor is set to begin soon, with the government promising accelerated work to ensure the entire corridor becomes operational.
With the Federal Government’s push for collaboration, officials hope the Port Harcourt–Aba corridor will become a cornerstone of regional development, making rail travel a preferred choice for Nigerians once again.
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