…says transportation vital to economic development
Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti has expressed concern over the delay in reconstructing the Umuahia – Enugu railway line, a project earlier scheduled to be completed by first quarter of last year.
The governor re-emphasized the critical role of transportation in the economic development, saying the rail project would boost the nation’s economy.
Governor Otti was speaking on Tuesday, 16th April, during a meeting with a delegation of the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC), led by the New Managing Director, Dr. Kayode Opeifa. He described transportation as a sector that is very important to economic development and growth.
While expressimg concerns that progress had stalled on the Umuahia to Enugu section of the railway corridor as they were originally scheduled for completion by the first quarter of last year, he said that he is confident that under the New Managing Director, the trajectory of NRC work would change positively.
He added that he is optimistic that the fresh leadership at the Nigeria Railway Corporation would bring the needed speed and quality to the railway projects across the Nation, especially, the South-East corridor.
Governor Otti used the opportunity to reiterate his administration’s commitment to overhauling the State’s transport sector to enhance economic activities, disclosed that efforts are ongoing to modernize the transport system in the State.
“I have no doubt that the ideas that have been on the table even long before you came on board, may have been struggling, but I believe that as you (New MD) get down to work, it would be done.
“The speed with which the other parts of the corridor were executed and the speed at which the execution is happening right now are different, but, I am sure you’ll change the trajectory very soon.
“We felt it was important to replicate the Transport system we have seen elsewhere, not necessarily in Oshodi.
“Actually, we were thinking of Paddington in the UK where you have the bus terminal, train and everything converging in a place. Paddington never sleeps, that’s the kind of business we want to introduce in Umuahia,” Gov. Otti assured.
On concerns raised about the security of NRC assets in Aba, Governor Otti assured that he would look into the issue and provide necessary support, including logistics, emphasizing that his government does not discriminate between Federal and State project but is always willing to partner with individuals or agencies that want to bring development to the State.
Speaking earlier, the Managing Director, Nigerian Railway Cooperation, Dr. Kayode Opeifa disclosed that the essence of the meeting is to deepen discussions and the plans on how best to revive the Aba – Umuahia rail line.
According to him, the corporation which intends to add value to the nation’s economy, targets to reduce inflation, stabilize the economy and reduce the cost of transporting goods and services, adding that, they have the mandate to ensure that all major cities in the South-East are connected to the national rail line.
The meeting featured a presentation on the ongoing construction of Umuahia Railway and Bus terminal by the General Manager, Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA) Mr. Kingsley Agomoh.
The meeting was attended by senior Government appointees including the Honourable Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Chimezie Ukaegbu, Special Adviser on Transport, Dr. Obioma Nwaogbe, the Principal Secretary to the Governor and Chief Strategy Officer to the Government, Mr. Chinenye Mba-Uzoukwu.
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