Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has reaffirmed the vital role of transportation in driving Nigeria’s economic development and growth, as he hosted the new Managing Director of the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr. Kayode Opeifa, and his delegation at the Government House in Umuahia.

 

Speaking during the meeting, Governor Otti described transportation as a cornerstone of economic advancement and expressed concern over delays in the completion of the Umuahia–Enugu section of the Eastern rail corridor, which was originally scheduled for delivery in the first quarter of 2024.

 

Despite the setbacks, he expressed confidence in the leadership of Dr. Opeifa and optimism that the pace and quality of rail projects, especially across the South-East, would improve under his stewardship.

 

“I believe the new NRC leadership will bring the required energy and commitment to fast-track critical railway projects,” Otti stated. “We are focused on replicating a world-class transport system in Umuahia — something akin to Paddington in the UK, where trains and buses converge in a terminal that never sleeps.”

 

The governor also reiterated his administration’s commitment to modernizing Abia’s transport infrastructure to spur economic activity and improve mobility. He emphasized that development knows no boundaries and pledged the State Government’s support for both federal and private-sector projects.

 

Addressing concerns about the security of NRC assets in Aba, Governor Otti assured the NRC of full cooperation, including the provision of logistics and security assistance. “We do not discriminate between Federal and State projects. If it brings development, we are on board,” he said.

 

In his remarks, NRC Managing Director Dr. Kayode Opeifa revealed that the meeting aimed to deepen collaboration on reviving the Aba–Umuahia rail corridor. He noted that the NRC is committed to linking all major cities in the South-East to the national rail network in a bid to reduce transportation costs, lower inflation, and stabilize the economy.

 

“Our mandate is clear — connect the regions, add value to the economy, and enhance the movement of goods and services,” Dr. Opeifa affirmed.

 

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

 

In attendance were top government officials including the Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Chimezie Ukaegbu; Special Adviser on Transport, Dr. Obioma Nwaogbe; and the Chief Strategy Officer to the Government, Mr. Chinenye Mba-Uzoukwu.