The Federal Ministry of Transportation has inaugurated passenger service on the rehabilitated Port Harcourt-Aba railway line. Measuring 62km, the narrow gauge track is part of the larger Port Harcourt-Maiduguri railway project which spans over 1,400km across multiple states.
Commissioning the newly operational segment, Minister of Transportation Sen. Said Alkali expressed optimism that the rail link will stimulate economic activity in Rivers and Abia states. He noted discussions underway to convert locomotives from diesel to compressed natural gas, reducing transportation costs. The line’s reopening also restores rail connectivity between the key cities after years of dilapidated infrastructure.
Alkali was joined by government officials on the inaugural voyage from Port Harcourt-Aba Railway. With rehabilitation now complete, passengers can utilize the service daily. The Minister outlined plans to extend operations northward to Enugu and link both cities’ ports to the network. This will provide efficient freight transport, important for industries in the two state capitals.
When fully integrated into the regional rail system, the Port Harcourt-Aba corridor will enhance mobility, accessibility and trade between southern Nigeria and the country’s northeast. It forms part of the Buhari administration’s strategy to revitalize Nigeria’s railway amenities through targeted rehabilitation projects. The modernized narrow gauge line boosts connectivity at both domestic and geopolitical levels, aiding commerce across five zones.
The Ministry continues expanding rail access as a safe, affordable common carrier. As network extension progresses step-by-step, residents and business owners in Port Harcourt and Aba can look forward to the economic benefits and opportunities brought by the new transport link between their cities.
