Enugu State has announced plans to construct a 135.5km standard gauge railway connecting key South-East cities to Rivers State’s Onne Port, aiming to transform the region into a logistics and export hub. The project, confirmed by Transport Commissioner Dr. Obi Ozor, follows a completed feasibility study and ongoing negotiations with Chinese firms and the Nigerian Railway Corporation.
The rail line will run from Enugu through Ugwuoba (Anambra), linking Awka, Onitsha, Ebonyi, Umuahia (Abia), and Owerri (Imo) before terminating at Onne Port. It will support cargo and passenger services, targeting agro-commodities like coal and easing reliance on congested Lagos ports.
The project aligns with Enugu’s push to unlock mineral resources and boost cross-state trade. An inland container port in Enugu and a new market station at Holy Ghost Transport Terminal are also underway to streamline cargo handling.
While the federal government works on extending its narrow-gauge line from Aba to Enugu, this state-owned initiative operates independently. Experts emphasize the need for regional coordination to maximize impact, as neighboring states have yet to announce similar rail plans.
China’s involvement through partnerships with Enugu reflects its expanding subnational infrastructure focus in Africa, coinciding with global trade shifts. Success here could model decentralized rail development for other states.
Despite Enugu’s resolve, analysts warn that disjointed regional efforts and funding constraints could hinder seamless connectivity. The project’s timeline remains undisclosed, with financing talks still ongoing.
