Gov. Otti unveils plan to modernize Abia’s transport sector, addresses stalled railway tasks and descriptions a brand new 24/7 transport hub in Umuahia. Learn the complete story.
Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, has reaffirmed his administration’s sturdy resolve to revolutionize the transport sector within the state, declaring that transportation is the lifeblood of {economic} development and sustainable improvement.
Governor Otti made this assertion on Tuesday, April 16, 2025, throughout a strategic assembly with a high-powered delegation from the Nigerian Railway Company (NRC), led by its new Managing Director, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, on the Authorities Home in Umuahia.
In the course of the engagement, the Governor didn’t mince phrases as he expressed dissatisfaction over the stalled progress on the Umuahia–Enugu part of the Japanese railway hall, which was initially scheduled for completion within the first quarter of 2024.
“There’s a big delay, and it’s regarding. Nevertheless, with the brand new management in place, I imagine this unlucky trajectory will change,” Governor Otti asserted.
He described the rail challenge as very important not only for Abia, however for the complete South-East area, insisting that swift and high quality supply was essential to unlock the complete {economic} potential of the zone.
Past federal rail initiatives, Governor Otti unveiled an bold imaginative and prescient for a globally aggressive, multi-modal transport hub in Umuahia, impressed by the enduring Paddington terminal in the UK.
“We wish to create a transport system that by no means sleeps—similar to Paddington. A central hub the place buses, trains, and different companies converge in a contemporary, environment friendly atmosphere. That’s the dream we’re chasing in Umuahia,” he revealed.
On the broader transformation agenda, Governor Otti reaffirmed that his authorities is already working to modernize the complete transport system within the state, promising that residents will quickly start to see seen and impactful adjustments.
In response to considerations raised by the NRC crew in regards to the security of their property in Aba, Governor Otti assured them of full authorities assist, together with safety and logistics, stressing that his administration doesn’t discriminate between state and federal tasks on the subject of improvement.
“Any company or group that brings improvement to Abia has our partnership. Federal or state—it doesn’t matter. We’re open for significant collaboration,” he mentioned.
On his half, the NRC Managing Director, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, revealed that the assembly was convened to strengthen synergy between the Company and the Abia State Authorities as a part of ongoing efforts to revive and broaden rail operations within the area, beginning with the Aba–Umuahia hall.
In keeping with Dr. Opeifa, the NRC is dedicated to decreasing transportation prices, stabilizing the financial system, and linking all main South-East cities to the nationwide rail grid.
“We’re not simply laying tracks—we’re connecting economies, decreasing inflation, and boosting nationwide productiveness,” he defined.
A key spotlight of the assembly was an in depth presentation by the Common Supervisor of the Umuahia Capital Growth Authority (UCDA), Mr. Kingsley Agomoh, on the continuing development of the Umuahia Railway and Bus Terminal, which is central to the Governor’s modernization agenda.
Additionally in attendance have been prime authorities officers together with:
Dr. Chimezie Ukaegbu, Honourable Commissioner for Transport
Dr. Obioma Nwaogbe, Particular Adviser on Transport
Mr. Chinenye Mba-Uzoukwu, Principal Secretary to the Governor and Chief Technique Officer
The session ended with a convincing name by Governor Otti for all arms to be on deck in reshaping the state’s transport narrative.
“We’re not simply constructing for in the present day—we’re laying the inspiration for a transport future that works for each Abian,” the Governor concluded.
