All Aboard! The Big Rail Project That’s Set to Change Everything
The Minister of Transportation, Said Alkali, is all fired up to make sure the Port Harcourt-Maiduguri rail project gets done and running real soon. He’s saying that once it’s all set, Nigerians can expect easier trade, better access to markets and business spots, and a big boost for agricultural production and movement.
Alkali is making it clear that this rail network is a solid sign of the current government’s dedication to building up infrastructure, growing the economy, and bringing the nation together. He’s dead set on not just finishing the project on time but also making sure it meets top-notch international standards.
This all came out in a statement from the minister’s Special Assistant (Public Affairs), Jamilu Ja’afaru, on Monday in Abuja.
He’s saying, “It’s all about getting stuff, people, and opportunities moving. It’s about linking up Nigeria and driving progress.
The 1,657km rail network, cutting through 13 States; Rivers, Abia, Enugu, Benue, Nasarawa, Plateau, Bauchi, Gombe, Borno, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ebonyi, and Adamawa, is set to bring in some huge benefits.”
Talking about what the project means for different States, he said: “In Rivers State, the Port Harcourt-Maiduguri rail line is going to amp up the state’s rep as a major spot for business and trade, hooking it up with key economic centres across the country.
Abia, known for its lively business and industry, is going to see better business connections, giving local industries a boost and empowering small and medium-sized businesses.
The line is also going to rev up agricultural productivity in states like Benue, known as Nigeria’s “food basket”, giving farmers better access to markets, cutting down on post-harvest losses, and pushing rural development. Nasarawa and Plateau will also cash in on easier movement of mineral resources, giving mining activities a boost.”
He went on to say: “In the North-East, States like Bauchi, Gombe, and Borno are going to see some big benefits as the rail line is going to make it easier and cheaper to move goods and people, bringing folks together, growing the economy, and helping with the much-needed post-insurgency rebuilding in the region.
Akwa Ibom and Cross River are in for a tourism boost, with easier access to their rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes, while Ebonyi and Adamawa states are also going to see better trade and business, thanks to the smooth transportation of goods and services.”
