The Federal Government has delayed the start of train services on the Port Harcourt to Maiduguri rail line until April.
The Port Harcourt-Aba segment is a component of the broader Port Harcourt-Maiduguri rail project, launched under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, and was scheduled to begin operations by the end of March.
However, the Minister for Transportation, Saidu Alkali, revised the commencement date during an announcement in Port Harcourt on Friday, following an inspection of the newly reconstructed tracks.
Alkali attributed the postponement to a delay by the contractor in charge of the project and assured that the service would commence in April.
He noted that this was his second visit to Port Harcourt for the rail line’s inspection since becoming the Minister of Transportation.
“The initial plan was to start operations in March, but during the inspection, certain observations were made. Due to the exigencies and technicalities involved, the commencement has been pushed to April, considering today is already the 29th of March.
“They had assured us that by April, the Port Harcourt to Aba route would be operational. It’s not just the Port Harcourt to Aba route; I am also seeking a commitment on how soon they can extend the rail line to the Port Harcourt and Onne Ports, enabling us to initiate travel from both seaports to Aba.
“It’s not that I am completely dissatisfied with the work, but naturally, when a deadline is set and not met, one tends to be unhappy with the initial promise. However, if a promise for March is fulfilled in April, that seems acceptable,” stated Alkali.
He underscored President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s dedication to completing all ongoing projects nationwide.
He remarked, “Owing to the government’s dedication, we’ve started with the federal government’s 15 percent contribution to repair the railway section from Port Harcourt to Aba, and we’re now addressing the extension to the Port Harcourt and Onne Ports.”
He also mentioned that efforts to secure funding for the Calabar-Enugu-Abuja standard gauge rail line are in progress.”
He also mentioned that the government is currently addressing the Ibadan to Abuja segment of the standard gauge railway line.
“We are sorting out the financing because it’s impossible to commence the project without securing the necessary funds. As soon as the financing is in place, we will begin,” he explained.
He reiterated, “This is our second visit here for inspection. Port Harcourt’s inclusion in this region underscores our dedication to executing projects nationwide.”
He called for the public’s patience and support for the government, which is committed to delivering relief to the citizens.
