President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians of his administration’s determination to complete the Eastern Rail Line, which connects Port Harcourt to Maiduguri. This commitment was made during an interactive session with South East leaders as part of his official visit to Enugu State on Saturday.
President Tinubu highlighted the importance of the rail project to Nigeria’s economic development, noting that it would significantly boost trade, particularly in non-oil exports. He stated, “This is a work in progress. I inherited some of these critical challenges, but I am committed to resolving them.”
The session saw leaders from the region, including former Minister of Power, Professor Chinedu Nebo, and Chris Ugoh, making passionate appeals for federal support. Nebo acknowledged the completion of the Port Harcourt-Aba section of the rail line but urged the government to prioritize the remaining segments. He emphasized the transformative potential of the project in unlocking economic opportunities across the region.
Ugoh highlighted the Anambra Basin’s untapped potential as an energy reserve, capable of supporting industrial feedstocks and power generation. He called on the federal government to develop the basin, estimated to contain 1 billion barrels of oil and 30 billion cubic feet of gas, for the benefit of the South East and beyond.
The meeting also addressed security concerns in the region. Onyemauche Nnamani, South East representative in the Police Service Commission, advocated for modern security measures, including the deployment of statewide CCTV systems and patrol vehicles with surveillance capabilities. He criticized the over-reliance on checkpoints, describing them as inefficient and hazardous for security personnel.
In response, Tinubu reassured attendees of his administration’s focus on integrating technology into security frameworks while emphasizing the importance of partnerships with sub-national governments.
During his visit, President Tinubu commended Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State for his visionary leadership. He inaugurated several state government projects, including the GTC Smart Green School, New Haven/Bisalla Road, International Conference Center, Command-and-Control Center, and 150 patrol vehicles equipped with surveillance cameras.
Speaking at the Command-and-Control Center inauguration, Tinubu praised the synergy between federal and state governments, highlighting the positive impact of investing in security. He noted, “This collaboration shows that more revenue directed to sub-nationals is not a waste. It is for development.”
The President lauded Governor Mbah, a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), for his commitment to development, stating, “I don’t care which party you come from; you are my friend. We must build this house called Nigeria to meet the needs of today and tomorrow.”
Tinubu also praised other leaders, including former Senate President Ken Nnamani, for their roles in strengthening democracy, particularly in thwarting the Third Term agenda.
Governor Mbah applauded the Tinubu administration for creating the South East Development Commission and liberalizing the electricity sector. He outlined his vision to grow Enugu’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion within four years, driven by enhanced security, education, and healthcare infrastructure.
He noted that his administration’s bold measures, including ending the illegal sit-at-home orders in the state, have restored public confidence and economic activities.
Governor Mbah also credited the federal government’s economic reforms, such as subsidy removal and foreign exchange unification, for enabling states to complete critical projects.
In closing, Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to fostering national unity and driving development across all regions, reiterating his belief in collaboration as the bedrock of Nigeria’s progress.
