The Federal Government has officially secured financing for the entire Aba–Maiduguri railway corridor, a major milestone in Nigeria’s rail transport revival. The 1,443-kilometre stretch, part of the Port Harcourt–Eastern Narrow Gauge Railway Project, will connect key cities and states, including Borno, Yobe, Gombe, Bauchi, Plateau, Kaduna, Nasarawa, and Benue.
Speaking at a government-citizen engagement forum held in Kaduna on Wednesday, Minister of Transport, Senator Saidu Alkali, confirmed that funding for the corridor has been finalized. According to the Minister, this landmark development will drive economic integration and foster national unity by facilitating the seamless movement of people and goods across the eastern axis of the country.
In a press statement issued by Rabiu Ibrahim, Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, the Minister highlighted that the Port Harcourt–Maiduguri rail line is just one of several key infrastructure projects being prioritized by the Tinubu administration. He stressed that the completion of the railway will not only boost trade but also improve regional accessibility and stimulate job creation in the affected states.
In addition to the Eastern Corridor, Senator Alkali revealed that the Federal Government has successfully rehabilitated the old Lagos–Kano narrow-gauge railway line. This includes restoring freight services from the Apapa Port in Lagos all the way to the Kano Inland Dry Port, opening up significant logistics and commercial opportunities for the northern business hubs.
The Minister emphasized the administration’s commitment to revamping Nigeria’s decaying rail infrastructure, noting that an efficient railway system is crucial to reducing the pressure on roads, cutting transportation costs, and enhancing national productivity.
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As the government intensifies its infrastructure drive, the rehabilitation of both the Lagos–Kano and Port Harcourt–Maiduguri lines is expected to serve as a catalyst for economic transformation, especially for underserved communities across the North and South East.
With the financing in place, all eyes are now on the swift implementation of the project, which is being seen as a critical step toward revitalizing Nigeria’s transportation system and delivering on promises of inclusive development.
