The Minister of Transportation, Said Alkali, has pledged to expedite the completion and full operation of the Port Harcourt-Maiduguri rail network, emphasizing its potential to transform Nigeria’s infrastructure, economy, and national cohesion.
Upon completion, the 1,657km rail line, traversing 13 states, promises to unleash a wave of benefits for communities along its route. It will facilitate seamless movement of goods, people, and opportunities, connecting Nigeria’s diverse regions and driving economic growth.
In Rivers State, the rail network will solidify its position as a commercial and trade hub, enhancing connectivity to key economic centers. Abia, renowned for its dynamic commerce and industry, will experience improved business linkages, bolstering local industries and empowering small and medium-sized enterprises.
For Benue, Nigeria’s “food basket,” the rail line will stimulate agricultural productivity, providing farmers with better access to markets, reducing post-harvest losses, and fostering rural development. Nasarawa and Plateau will reap the rewards in terms of easier movement of mineral resources, boosting mining activities.
In the North-East, Bauchi, Gombe, and Borno will benefit from the rail line’s facilitation of efficient goods and people movement, promoting social integration, economic growth, and post-insurgency reconstruction.
Akwa Ibom and Cross River will witness enhanced tourism potential, with easier access to their rich cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes. Ebonyi and Adamawa will also enjoy improved trade and commerce, fostered by the efficient transportation of goods and services.
Minister Alkali emphasized the rail project’s commitment to meeting the highest international standards, ensuring its long-term viability and contribution to Nigeria’s economic and social development.
