Abia govt set to build access road across railway corridor at Umuahia

By Fidelis Ugbomeh

In line with the Act establishing Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Abia State government, recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), with Management of Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), to enable the State construct an access road across railway corridor linking Okpara Square and Akanu Ibiam Street (Goodshed) to Bende Road at Umuahia.

Governor of the state, Dr. Alex Otti, in his remarks at the event said the access road forms part of a comprehensive plan to give the state capital a facelift and tackle traffic challenges around the corridor.

He also disclosed that the state government plans to integrate a mega station into bus terminal so as to develop it into a transportation hub

“So, with the railway station, with the bus terminal, and of course, every other thing that goes with it to be in the same place. And it will look nice. So, now that we have this done, we can go ahead and commence,” Otti stated.

The Governor directed commissioner for transport, Dr. Isaac Chimezie Ukaegbu, commissioner for works, Engr. Otumchere Oti, General Manager, Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA), Hon. Kingsley Agomuo and other relevant officials to work together and deliver the project as quickly as possible.

Otti also urged managing director of the corporation to consider increasing fleet of trains from Port-Harcourt to Aba adding that the state government is commitment to supporting the federal government so that the state would continue to receive assistance.

“See how we can do that. For us here, I’m sure you may have seen in the news that the new electric buses have come in, increasing the number to 40. Another 30 is on the way.

“So, that will be the bus covering the entire state. So, if we have the railway, including the other one I mentioned to you that I’m thinking about, and we are working with brother Governors in the southeast to also integrate all our states on a rail network that will not belong to NRC, but will be supported hugely by NRC. That’s the way it works, everywhere in the world,” Otti stated.

The governor also noted request for proper relocation of existing police station within the railway corridor in Umuahia adding that general manager, UCDA, has been directed to effect relocation to a temporary space within the facility and come up with design of a new railway station with police station.

Otti thanked managing director of the corporation for using Abia as an example to other states and for appointing Mr. Francis Ejike from Enugu State as regional head of the corporation in south east.

Earlier In his remarks, managing director, of the corporation, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, said decision to sign MoU with Abia state government was to facilitate construction of an access road through the railway corridor in Umuahia.

He explained that the MoU would enable the state government to construct an access road linking Okpara Square through Goodshed and Akanu Ibiam road to Bende road, aimed at improving connectivity and easing traffic within the state capital.

According to him, the state government sought the corporation’s approval as part of its vision to transform the transport sector.

He said the request was approved after the State met all the conditions required by the Nigerian Railway Corporation for such a project.

Opeifa described Abia state government as responsive and responsible, noting that its commitment to due process informed the corporation’s decision to execute the MoU.

He commended Otti’s leadership style, saying he frequently cites the governor in many places as a model for transformative governance and commended his commitment to collaboration and partnership irrespective of political affiliation.

The boss highlighted the recently completed Nnenna Oti Bus Terminal as a top-notch project that reflects the administration’s focus on improving transportation and mobility in Abia.

He also requested that the existing police station within the railway corridor be relocated to a more suitable site, and that the architectural design for the new railway station be shared with him.

Opeifa expressed confidence that the partnership would further strengthen infrastructure, improve mobility, and drive economic growth in the State.

According to a statement signed by chief press secretary to the executive governor of Abia state, the governor was joined in the meeting by commissioner for transport, Dr. Chimezie Ukaegbu, commissioner for works, Engr. Otumchere Oti, general manager, Umuahia capital development authority, Hon. Kingsley Agomuo and SSA on transport, Dr. Obioma Nwaogbe.