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By Fidelis Ugbomeh
Ahead of ongoing critical track extension from Aba to Enugu and beyond, Management of Nigerian Railway Corporation has announced that collaborative efforts with the two states is to ensure seamless relocation of traders from the tracks before commencement of operations.
This is coming as the only passenger train operating the Aba-Port-Harcourt railway corridor cannot move beyond Aba presently due to vandalisation and encroachment on idle tracks by hoodlums and traders respectively.
Managing Director of Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr. Kayode Opeif who dropped this hint recently after separate meerings between the Corporation, Abia, and Enugu state government.
Represented by Railway district manager, eastern district, Mr. Agwonye Francis Ejike, he described the two states as partners in progress.
The Abia State government delegation was led by Director General of Umuahia Capital Territory Development Authority (UCTDA), Mr. Kingsley Agomoh.
During the Umuahia meeting, Opeifa praised Abia state government for its crucial assistance in clearing the NRC’s right-of-way within Umuahia.
He firmly frowned at the attitude of those who erroneously believe the railway is defunct, thereby encroaching, trading, or erecting structures on NRC properties.
The NRC boss reiterated unequivocally that no one is permitted to build any structure on railway property without obtaining express approval from his office.
As for Abia state government, Mr. Kingsley Agomoh stated that the state is actively engaging all stakeholders by providing alternative, seamless locations for those currently conducting business on the railway right-of-way.
He further revealed that the state government has already finalized plans to plant trees along the route, creating a leisurely and aesthetically conducive environment for relaxation, replacing previous commercial activities.
The high-powered team then embarked on an extensive inspection of: the alternative relocation site for displaced persons; the demolition site where iron barrier installation is progressing; the Umuahia central bus terminal; site for new Umuahia railway station; and the route for proposed link road passing through the existing railway station.
The meeting also explored the provision of a temporary location for the Railway Police and the PTO, pending the construction of the new Umuahia Station, which is designed to include a police station and other NRC offices.
The same impactful message was delivered to Enugu State, where the Commissioner of Transportation, Dr. Obi Ozoh (representing the State Government), equally assured the NRC MD of the Enugu State Government’s unwavering commitment to collaborating with the Corporation to achieve its aims and objectives.
Describing Dr. Opeifa as a personal friend from their private sector days, Dr. Ozoh lauded him as a leader who “knows perfectly well what he is doing.”
He further assured the NRC that the Enugu state government will actively assist in demolishing any obstruction on the Corporation’s right-of-way, stressing that the state eagerly awaits the flag-off to recommence construction of the rail line from Aba to Enugu and beyond.
