The Federal Government has reopened the Port-Harcourt-Aba railway after finishing its repairs, as part of the ongoing work on the 1443km Port-Harcourt-Maiduguri narrow gauge rail project.

This railway is part of the government’s efforts to boost trade, improve transportation, and ensure connections between the southern and northeastern regions of the country.

At the inauguration of the rehabilitated 62km rail line on Tuesday, the Minister of Transportation, Sen. Said Alkali, mentioned that his Ministry is talking with an investor about converting locomotives from diesel to CNG to reduce transportation costs.

Alkali also took a train ride from Port Harcourt to Aba, marking the start of passenger train services on this route. The railway will connect to Enugu and link the Onne and Port Harcourt ports to encourage trade.

Alkali said:

“We’re grateful to God that we can launch the train service from Port Harcourt to Aba today.

“We also want to thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support and dedication to the Ministry of Transportation, aimed at helping the people of our country.

“The Eastern narrow gauge railway connects five regions: South South, South East, North Central, North West, and North East. This is significant for President Tinubu’s government.

I’m pleased that one part of it is now operational, marking the Railway Corporation’s first presence in the South-South.

“Today, we will travel by train from Port Harcourt to Aba, and passenger train services will start immediately.
“With God’s help, we will extend the service from Aba to Enugu and from Port Harcourt to Onne Port and Port Harcourt Port to start freight services.

“The ministry is exploring various options, including working with an investor to convert our locomotives from diesel to CNG to reduce transportation costs.”