By Adenike Lawal
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), has confirmed the commencement of reconstruction work on the long-abandoned Eastern railway corridor, with active construction currently ongoing along the Port Harcourt-Aba stretch in Rivers and Abia States.
Speaking during an infrastructure inspection in Enugu, NRC Eastern District Manager, Victor Adamu, revealed that the Federal Government officially handed over the project to the corporation on November 28, 2024.
The rehabilitation project covers the entire Eastern narrow-gauge line, which runs from Port Harcourt to Maiduguri, cutting across key states including Rivers, Abia, Enugu, Ebonyi, and parts of Benue.
Adamu acknowledged that construction work on the Aba-Enugu route via Umuahia is temporarily stalled but assured that the delay will be addressed soon in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He noted that the NRC Managing Director, Kayode Opeifa, held strategic meetings in April 2025 with governors of Abia and Enugu States to foster collaborative support for the rail revival.
A major policy shift under the Tinubu administration now permits state governments to invest directly in federal rail infrastructure.
This has drawn interest from states such as Anambra, Abia, and Enugu, which are considering partnerships to support the redevelopment of the corridor.
Despite the progress, Adamu highlighted serious setbacks from rampant vandalism of railway assets.
He said security agencies, including the Nigeria Police, NSCDC, military, and local vigilante groups, are working together to curb the menace.
Arrests have already been made in Imo, Rivers, and Enugu States, with suspects facing prosecution.
After more than two decades of inactivity, the Eastern corridor overhaul marks a significant step in reconnecting the region through rail and boosting economic activity across affected communities.
