…Directs Port Harcourt, Onne Ports linkage to Aba
The Federal Government says the date for the commencement of operation in the Port Harcourt – Aba section of the Port Harcourt to Maiduguri narrow gauge rail line has been postponed to April, 2024.
The Minister for Transportation, Senator Saidu AlkalI disclosed this to Journalists in Port-Harcourt shortly after inspecting the reconstructed rail track on Friday.
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The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Mr. Fidel Okhiria had after test running the reconstructed rail tracks from Port Harcourt to Aba recently, assured that passenger trains would start operation by March ending.
But Mr. Alkall while expressing dismay over the postponement, begged Nigerians to be patient as the contractor handling the project is trusted enough to deliver the project in April as promised.
He also directed the contractor handling the project to ensure that the rail line was linked as soon as possible to the Port Harcourt and Onne Ports in the state.
Alkall said, “This is the second time I am in Port Harcourt for the inspection of the rail line, since I assumed office as the Minister of Transportation.
“They gave us March for commencement of operation, but am sure while they were doing the inspection there were some observations, and because of exigencies and technicalities of the work, it has been extended to April, because March is already 29 today.
“They had given us a definite commitment that by April, they will be able to put Port Harcourt to Aba into use, and it is not only Port Harcourt to Aba alone, I am trying also to get the commitment of how soon they can link the rail line to Port Harcourt Port and also Onne Port, so that we would be able to start from the two sea ports to Aba.
“Not really that I am not satisfied with the level of work done, but you know when somebody has given you a deadline, and the deadline didn’t really work, of course you will be dissatisfied with the failed deadline he gave you ab-initio. But if somebody promise you by March and is able to deliver in April, I think you can manage with that.”
The Transportation Minister further noted that President Tinubu-led Federal government was serious and committed with the delivery of all ongoing projects across the country.
“Because of the commitment of the government, we have decided to start with the 15 percent component of the federal government to fix Port Harcourt to Aba section of the railway, and we are now trying to fix the line to Port Harcourt and Onne Ports.”
On the Calabar-Enugu-Abuja standard gauge rail line, which was also awarded by the past administration, the Minister said, “When we took over, we are trying to sought out the financing because there is no way you can start the project without making all arrangements for the finances, so as soon as the finances is ready, we are going to start.
“Like I said earlier, this is the second time we are coming here for inspection, and Port Harcourt is in this part of the country, and that alone shows how serious and committed we are in delivering the projects in all parts of the country.”
He however, disclosed that the Ibadan to Abuja section of the standard gauge rail line is currently being sorted out by the government, while advising the public to remain calm and support the government as it remained resolute to bringing succour to the people.
