President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to completing the Eastern Rail Line, connecting Port Harcourt to Maiduguri, while pledging to develop the Anambra Basin’s energy reserves.
Speaking during a meeting with South East leaders in Enugu State on Saturday, Tinubu stressed the importance of the rail project, which passes through key eastern cities like Umuahia, Owerri, Awka, Enugu, and Abakaliki.
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Initiated in 2021 under former President Muhammadu Buhari, the project involves upgrading the existing 1,443-kilometer narrow-gauge line, adding new branches, and extending it to 2,044 kilometers at an estimated cost of $3.02bn.
EKO HOT BLOG reports that Tinubu assured stakeholders of his administration’s dedication to overcoming challenges like funding delays and security issues to complete the project, which is expected to boost economic activities across the region.
Tinubu also highlighted the Anambra Basin’s potential, estimated to hold 1 billion barrels of oil and 30 billion cubic feet of gas. He pledged to support its development to enhance energy security and spur industrial growth.
During the session, former Minister of Power, Professor Chinedu Nebo, urged prioritization of the Eastern Rail Line, citing its capacity to boost non-oil exports.
Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, praised Tinubu for fostering infrastructure and economic development while showcasing various state projects, including the Smart Green Schools and the Command-and-Control Center.
Tinubu commended Mbah’s vision of growing Enugu’s GDP from $4.4bn to $30bn in four years through enhanced security, education, and healthcare.
He also applauded efforts to eliminate the Southeast’s illegal sit-at-home orders and modernize public schools and healthcare facilities. Tinubu emphasized the importance of unity and cooperation, calling for collective efforts to build a stronger Nigeria.
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