The inauguration of the Port Harcourt-Aba train service was met with widespread celebrations in both Port Harcourt and Aba, Abia State.
The Minister of Transportation, Senator Said Ahmed Alkali, affirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s dedication to improving the lives of Nigerians, aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The ceremony, held at the Port Harcourt Railway Station, was marked by the enthusiastic participation of locals from the South-South and South-East geopolitical zones.
The minister emphasized the government’s commitment to enhancing the rail transport system, which is pivotal for the nation’s economic and social advancement.
Residents from Rivers and Abia States, particularly those in commerce and craftsmanship, rejoiced at this progress, viewing it as a tangible manifestation of democracy.
Senator Alkali announced that the project’s forthcoming stages would include the extension of services from Aba to Enugu and the integration of the Port Harcourt and Onne ports into the rail network, aiming to stimulate the country’s trade activities.
He assured that the government is focused on completing all ongoing rail projects promptly to improve the quality of life for Nigerians.
Fidet Okhiria, the Managing Director of the Nigeria Railway Corporation, stated that initially, the service will offer free rides from Port Harcourt to Aba for a week, with plans to operate one round trip daily for a month, eventually increasing to two.
Okhiria promised the arrival of new coaches and locomotives from China and assured that, with adequate funding, the rail projects would progress swiftly to meet their objectives.
The resumption of train services, which had been halted since April 2022, represents a significant step towards fulfilling the government’s pledge to reactivate transportation in this vital corridor.
The minister, joined by senior officials from the transportation ministry, participated in the inaugural journey from Port Harcourt to Aba, marking a milestone in the government’s efforts to enhance public transportation infrastructure.
