Due to the series of ongoing developmental projects within a certain region of the country, the President, Muhammadu Buhari has reportedly claimed that the Port Harcourt-Maiduguri rail line will be a source of rejuvenation to the always renowned busy and vibrant eastern railway lines.
The president made these disclosures while commenting on the virtual ground-breaking occasion of three projects; which include; the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Port Harcourt-Maiduguri eastern narrow gauge railway project, Bonny deep seaport, and railway industrial park in Port Harcourt.
According to comments made by Femi Adesina, the special adviser on media and publicity to the president, Buhari has revealed that the federation’s aims and objectives aspiration for nationwide transportation developments and railways would be considerably improved by these three projects that are being undertaken by the federal government.
He emphasized that the reconstruction and renovation of the Port Harcourt to Maiduguri railway project which impressively is linked with new branch- lines to Owerri, Imo state, and Damaturu, Yobe state will raise and improve the nation’s economy to a global stage.
“The connection of the railway to a new seaport in Bonny Island and railway industrial park, Port Harcourt is designed to increase the viability and boost trans-shipment of cargo and freight locally, across the West African sub-region and in the continental free trade area,” Buhari said.
“The sum of the socio-economic and environmental benefits of these projects includes the creation of massive employment locally.
“Besides, there will be further utilization of local contents and technology transfer, increase in internally generated revenue and would serve as a fulcrum for the achievement of the federal government planned integrated development master plan.
“The funding of the railway is through a loan to fund 85% project cost and the federal government contribution of 15% as counterpart funding.”
Furthermore, he made mention of the federal government’s plans with regards to the Bonny deep seaport and the railway industrial park confirming that they are to be executed and constructed via direct investments and partnerships from the Chinese government as well as through multinational financing from global agencies.
The number one citizen of the federation, however, implored and encouraged businesses, manufacturers investors and industrialists, to take these advantages and opportunities to develop and expand in the areas of building new branches and factories before or after these projects are finalized.
Meanwhile, the minister of transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, reacting to the recent developments which also comes as a piece of pleasant news to the citizens of the country, which comes as a welcomed development, commented on the importance of the three projects to Nigerians and also remarked that they are being facilitated through the aid and direct finances by China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC) Nigeria Limited with a total investment portfolio of $700 million.
Rotimi concluded that by the time the projects are accomplished, they added that Port Harcourt-Maiduguri rail line will run at 60-80 kilometres per hour and 80-100 kilometres per hour for freight and passenger respectively.
In a time where many Nigerians are very wary of the level of insecurities all over the nation especially with palpable fears on the roads and highways, an alternative source of transportation would serve as a positive impact and respite for many businesses and inter-state transactions.
Gift Joseph Okpakorese
Staff Writer
