"We're Not Just Rebuilding Roads-We're Redefining MobilityÔÇØ: Gov. Otti Outlines Grand Vision for Abia Transport Sector | SEE PHOTOS

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, has reaffirmed his administration's strong resolve to revolutionize the transport sector in the state, declaring that transportation is the lifeblood of economic growth and sustainable development.

Governor Otti made this statement on Tuesday, April 16, 2025, during a strategic meeting with a high-powered delegation from the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), led by its new Managing Director, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, at the Government House in Umuahia.

During the engagement, the Governor did not mince words as he expressed dissatisfaction over the stalled progress on the Umuahia-Enugu section of the Eastern railway corridor, which was initially scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2024.

"There's a significant delay, and it's concerning. However, with the new leadership in place, I believe this unfortunate trajectory will change,ÔÇØ Governor Otti asserted.

He described the rail project as vital not just for Abia, but for the entire South-East region, insisting that swift and quality delivery was necessary to unlock the full economic potential of the zone.

Beyond federal rail initiatives, Governor Otti unveiled an ambitious vision for a globally competitive, multi-modal transport hub in Umuahia, inspired by the iconic Paddington terminal in the United Kingdom.

"We want to create a transport system that never sleeps-just like Paddington. A central hub where buses, trains, and other services converge in a modern, efficient environment. That's the dream we're chasing in Umuahia,ÔÇØ he revealed.

On the broader transformation agenda, Governor Otti reaffirmed that his government is already working to modernize the entire transport system in the state, promising that residents will soon begin to see visible and impactful changes.

In response to concerns raised by the NRC team about the safety of their assets in Aba, Governor Otti assured them of full government support, including security and logistics, stressing that his administration does not discriminate between state and federal projects when it comes to development.

"Any agency or group that brings development to Abia has our partnership. Federal or state-it doesn't matter. We're open for meaningful collaboration,ÔÇØ he said.

On his part, the NRC Managing Director, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, revealed that the meeting was convened to strengthen synergy between the Corporation and the Abia State Government as part of ongoing efforts to revive and expand rail operations in the region, starting with the Aba-Umuahia corridor.

According to Dr. Opeifa, the NRC is committed to reducing transportation costs, stabilizing the economy, and linking all major South-East cities to the national rail grid.

"We're not just laying tracks-we're connecting economies, reducing inflation, and boosting national productivity,ÔÇØ he explained.

A key highlight of the meeting was a detailed presentation by the General Manager of the Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA), Mr. Kingsley Agomoh, on the ongoing construction of the Umuahia Railway and Bus Terminal, which is central to the Governor's modernization agenda.

Also in attendance were top government officials including:

Dr. Chimezie Ukaegbu, Honourable Commissioner for Transport

Dr. Obioma Nwaogbe, Special Adviser on Transport

Mr. Chinenye Mba-Uzoukwu, Principal Secretary to the Governor and Chief Strategy Officer

The session ended with a resounding call by Governor Otti for all hands to be on deck in reshaping the state's transport narrative.

"We're not just building for today-we're laying the foundation for a transport future that works for every Abian,ÔÇØ the Governor concluded.

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