FG Takes Possession Of Port Harcourt-Aba Rail Project Assets
7 months ago 3 min read
The Federal Ministry of Transportation (FMOT) has officially taken possession of the completed assets of the Port Harcourt-Aba section of the Eastern Narrow-Gauge Railway Project.
This is as the FMOT handed over the project to the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) officially in Port Harcourt on Thursday to operate and to maintain.
The contractor, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation(CECC) Nig. Limited, handed over the assets, which include 283.060 km of dismantled tracks, 62.800 km of rehabilitated and reconstructed subgrade, and 62.800 km of rail laid for the main line to the FMOT.
The handed-over assets also include the rehabilitation and reconstruction of 27 sets of turnouts at various stations, the rehabilitation of four existing steel bridges, and the reconstruction of one concrete bridge.
Additionally, 10 existing culverts were rehabilitated, 12 new culverts were reconstructed, and 35 level crossings were reconstructed. The contractor also constructed 33,275 meters of drainage.
THE WHISTLER reports that the Port Harcourt-Aba rail project is part of the larger Eastern Narrow-Gauge Railway project, which aims to connect five geopolitical zones in the country.
The project is expected to improve socio-economic activities, boost trade, and facilitate ease of movement among the regions involved.
Meanwhile, the handing over ceremony was attended by Engr. Ogunade Adesegun, Deputy Director Civil from Nigeria Railway Cooperation, who represented the Managing Director of NRC, Ben Iloanusi.
According to Engr. Adesegun, the NRC is now responsible for the operation and maintenance of the rail section, which spans from Kilometres 0-62.
He noted that the commercial aspect of the train has been running smoothly, providing easier, faster, and cheaper transportation for passengers and goods.
He said: “This development is a testament to the government’s efforts to provide efficient transportation systems, and the dividends of these efforts are now materializing.”
Engr Ayo Dada, a supervisor from the Federal Ministry of Transport, while speaking to Newsmen, explained that the delay in handing over the project was due to the necessary diligence and processes that needed to be followed.
He emphasized that the handing over was just one segment of the larger project, which will be completed in phases within record time.
He said: “The completion of this project is expected to boost the economy of both cities and states, bringing development and growth to the region. The railway will also provide a safer and more efficient means of transportation, reducing the risk of accidents and congestion on the roads.”
In terms of security, Engr. Adesegun assured that the NRC is taking necessary measures to ensure the safety of passengers and goods.
The Port Harcourt-Maiduguri rail project is a significant investment in Nigeria’s transportation infrastructure, with a total cost of $3.03 billion.
The project aims to connect the southeastern oil center of Port Harcourt to Maiduguri in the northeastern state of Borno, covering a distance of 1,443 kilometers.
