Nigerian Government Begins Reconstruction of Eastern Railway Corridor – NRC

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has confirmed that the Federal Government has commenced reconstruction and rehabilitation of the Eastern Railway Corridor, a key transport route spanning several states in southeastern Nigeria.

Victor Adamu, the Railway District Manager for the Eastern District in Enugu, disclosed this on Wednesday during a response to a national survey conducted by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the condition of Nigeria’s railway infrastructure.

According to Adamu, the rehabilitation work is already underway on the narrow-gauge tracks between Port Harcourt and Aba in Abia State. He noted that the Eastern District line extends from Port Harcourt to Maiduguri, covering multiple states including Enugu, Abia, Ebonyi, Rivers, and parts of Benue State.

“This district includes Enugu, Abia, Ebonyi, Rivers, and part of Egbede in Benue State, which borders the North Central District and spans approximately 110 kilometers,” he said.

Adamu expressed satisfaction that a segment of the reconstruction contract was officially handed over to the NRC on November 28, 2024. He added that train services currently operate between Port Harcourt and Aba five days a week.

However, he acknowledged that work on the railway line from Aba through Umuahia to Enugu is currently suspended. Despite this, he assured the public that the Federal Government is making concerted efforts to restart construction on the remaining segments of the project.

He attributed the renewed activity to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes infrastructure development, including railway revival.

“This project stands to benefit not only the Southeast but other regions connected by the corridor,” Adamu said. “The Federal Government is committed to ensuring that Nigeria’s rail network becomes operational again.”

He also noted that in April 2025, the Managing Director of NRC, Mr. Kayode Opeifa, visited Enugu for discussions with the governors of Abia and Enugu states—talks he described as promising for the corridor’s future.

“I believe that the visit will spark meaningful progress along the Eastern Railway Corridor,” he added.