The Federal Government announced on Saturday that the Port Harcourt to Aba train services are set to begin operations by the end of March. This rail project is a part of the broader Port Harcourt-Maiduguri railroad initiative, launched under the administration of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari.
Fidet Okhiria, the Managing Director of the Nigeria Railway Corporation, confirmed this development after leading a delegation to inspect the reconstructed Eastern Narrow Gauge Rail line in Port Harcourt. He stated that the final adjustments are being made to the tracks to facilitate full train operations within the month.
Okhiria expressed his satisfaction with the progress, especially after a successful test ride on the locomotive and wagon. He recalled that during their previous visit, they couldn’t use the train due to track imbalances.
Transportation Minister Mu’azu Sambo has instructed for the Port Harcourt route to be connected to the rail network and for the initiation of the Onne Port linkage. Okhiria is confident that the railroad “tampering” will be completed within two weeks, ahead of the three-week target for the resumption of train services.
The NRC chief underscored the significance of semi-automatic signalling for safety and revealed plans to link the Port Harcourt-Aba railroad to the Onne seaport. He acknowledged the possibility of fare hikes due to rising diesel prices and stressed the necessity for passengers to contribute towards fuel and road costs.
Okhiria highlighted the government’s efforts to ensure the security of the rail line and appealed to communities to protect the infrastructure. He warned traders against doing business on rail lines and emphasized the importance of adhering to fixed train schedules across the country.
