The Federal Government has announced the postponement of the commencement of train services on the Port Harcourt to Maiduguri rail line until April. The Port Harcourt-Aba rail project, which is part of the larger Port Harcourt-Maiduguri rail project initiated by former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, was initially slated to begin operations by the end of March.
The Minister for Transportation, Saidu Alkali, made this announcement in Port Harcourt on Friday after inspecting the reconstructed rail tracks. Alkali attributed the postponement to a delay on the part of the contractor handling the project, assuring that the rail line would be operational by April.
He explained that despite the initial commitment for a March commencement, technicalities and exigencies necessitated the extension to April. Alkali emphasized the government’s commitment to delivering all ongoing projects across the country, highlighting efforts to link the rail line to Port Harcourt Port and Onne Port.
Regarding funding for other rail projects, Alkali mentioned ongoing efforts to finalize funding for the Calabar-Enugu-Abuja standard gauge rail line, as well as the Ibadan to Abuja section. He reiterated the government’s seriousness and commitment to delivering projects nationwide.