Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has underscored the vital role of transportation in driving Nigeria’s economic development and expressed optimism that ongoing railway projects, especially within the South-East, will receive fresh momentum under the leadership of the new Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr. Kayode Opeifa.

 

Governor Otti made these remarks on Tuesday, April 16, during a meeting with an NRC delegation led by Dr. Opeifa at Government House, Umuahia. He stressed that a robust transportation system is crucial to sustainable economic growth, lamenting the stalled progress on the Umuahia to Enugu rail corridor, which was originally slated for completion in early 2024.

 

“The speed with which the other parts of the corridor were executed and the speed at which the execution is happening right now are different,” Governor Otti noted. “But I am sure you’ll change the trajectory very soon.”

 

He added that he is confident in the new NRC leadership’s capacity to accelerate delivery, improve quality, and ensure that long-standing ideas and plans are effectively implemented.

 

The governor also reiterated his administration’s commitment to overhauling Abia State’s transport infrastructure to stimulate business and commerce. Drawing inspiration from global transport models, Otti revealed plans to replicate a hub similar to London’s Paddington Station in Umuahia—a seamless convergence point for buses, trains, and other transport services.

 

“Paddington never sleeps. That’s the kind of business we want to introduce in Umuahia,” he said.

 

On concerns raised regarding the safety of NRC infrastructure in Aba, Governor Otti pledged the state government’s support in providing necessary security and logistics. He emphasized that his administration does not differentiate between federal and state-led projects but is always open to collaboration that brings development to Abia.

 

Earlier, NRC Managing Director Dr. Kayode Opeifa stated that the meeting was part of a broader push to revive the Aba–Umuahia rail line and ensure better rail connectivity across the South-East. He explained that improving the rail network would reduce the cost of transporting goods, stabilize the economy, and contribute to lowering inflation.

 

The session also featured a presentation on the ongoing construction of the Umuahia Railway and Bus Terminal by Mr. Kingsley Agomoh, General Manager of the Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA).