Ebonyi State Governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to approve the construction of railway lines connecting Abakaliki to major commercial centres across the South-East to boost regional trade and economic development.
The request, according to the Special Assistant to the Governor on New Media and Director of the New Media Directorate of the Ebonyi State APC Campaign Council, Leo Ekene Oketa, was presented during the APC presidential campaign in Ebonyi State.
Oketa disclosed that the proposed railway projects include the Abakaliki–Aba railway line and the Abakaliki–Onitsha–Owerri–Aba railway corridor.He added that the designs for the proposed projects had already been completed and were awaiting the award of contracts.
In a statement on Sunday, Oketa described the railway proposal as a major infrastructure initiative capable of transforming Ebonyi’s economic fortunes and strengthening connectivity among commercial centres in the South-East.
He noted that improved rail transportation would facilitate the movement of agricultural produce, enhance the distribution of manufactured goods, provide traders with better transportation options and attract investments across the region.
According to him, connecting Abakaliki to Aba, Onitsha and Owerri would open up wider markets for businesses in Ebonyi while promoting regional economic integration.
Oketa commended Governor Nwifuru for advancing an infrastructure vision that extends beyond the boundaries of Ebonyi State, describing the proposal as evidence of his commitment to the collective economic development of the South-East.
He also linked the governor’s railway proposal to the ongoing construction of the bridge connecting Ebonyi and Benue States at Onuenyim, noting that both initiatives reflect his administration’s commitment to infrastructure development and regional connectivity.
He expressed optimism that President Tinubu would give favourable consideration to the request, adding that its implementation could mark a significant milestone in the economic development of the South-East.
Oketa reaffirmed his appreciation to Governor Nwifuru for what he described as his forward-looking approach to infrastructure and regional development.
