The Federal Government has officially begun the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the Eastern Railway Corridor, a key infrastructure upgrade under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) confirmed that work has commenced on the narrow-gauge line between Port Harcourt and Aba in Abia State, a pivotal segment of the long-dormant Port Harcourt to Maiduguri rail route.

This segment, which spans Rivers, Abia, Enugu, Ebonyi, and parts of Benue states, was handed over to the NRC in November 2024 and now sees active reconstruction efforts. Trains are already operating on the Port Harcourt to Aba section five days a week, reflecting President Tinubu’s decisive commitment to modernize national infrastructure and revive strategic economic routes.

President Tinubu has also pledged to complete the entire Eastern rail line, which will extend from Port Harcourt to Maiduguri. During a meeting with Southeast leaders in Enugu, he reaffirmed this commitment and promised support for the development of the Anambra Basin’s energy resources. These pledges reflect the administration’s broader goal of integrating infrastructure with energy and industrial development in the South East and beyond.

Under President Tinubu’s leadership, the Eastern Railway Corridor is being revived to serve as a major corridor for trade, transportation, and economic stimulation across 12 states. With active public and private sector engagement and enhanced security measures to prevent vandalism, the corridor is expected to unlock new regional opportunities and boost national productivity.