The Federal Government has launched the long-awaited Port Harcourt to Aba rail service, with the Minister of Transportation, Saidu Alkali, performing the ceremonial launch in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital, on Wednesday.
The Minister assured the people of the region that the trains will work properly to serve them, and promised that the expansion will continue until the Eastern Standard Gauge from Port Harcourt to Maiduguri is fully completed.
Following the launch, the Minister and other officials present boarded the train for a ride to Aba, marking a significant milestone in the country’s transportation sector.
The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Fidet Okhiria, expressed his delight at meeting the April deadline set for the project, and revealed plans to link the Onne Port to the rails for the movement of goods to Aba, Umuahia, and Enugu.
The Port Harcourt-Aba rail service is expected to boost economic activities in the region, and provide a more efficient and convenient mode of transportation for passengers and goods.