The federal government has confirmed that train services on the Port Harcourt to Aba route will commence operations by the end of March.
Part of the larger Port Harcourt-Maiduguri railroad project initiated by President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, the Port Harcourt-Aba rail project is nearing completion, according to Fidet Okhiria, managing director of the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC).
Speaking in Port Harcourt after overseeing a delegation to test-run the reconstructed Eastern Narrow Gauge Rail line, Okhiria expressed optimism about the progress made.
“I am impressed with what I saw today, especially being able to ride the locomotive and waggon on the tracks. Last time we visited, we could not use the train because the contractor said it was not proper to run on the train due to the imbalance of the tracks,” Okhiria remarked.
He further disclosed the directive from the Minister of Transportation, Mu’azu Sambo, to connect the Port Harcourt route to the rail and initiate the linkage of Onne Port.
With the contractor expected to complete the ‘tampering’ of the railroad within two weeks, Okhiria projected the commencement of passenger train services by March and full transportation from Port Harcourt to Aba by the month’s end.
Regarding transport fares, Okhiria acknowledged potential increases due to high diesel costs but assured efforts to sustain operations and cover road expenses.
“We are striving to ensure that people who come on the train are safe,” Okhiria emphasized, urging communities to protect the infrastructure.
He cautioned traders against conducting business on the rail lines, highlighting the trains’ fixed schedules across the country.
