$3bn South-East railway project not diverted – Ministry

The Federal Ministry of Transportation has refuted claims that its Minister, Said Alkali, diverted a $3bn railway project from the South-East to his home state, Gombe, for political reasons.

Reacting to the report published by an online publication, the ministry, in a statement issued on Tuesday by its Director of Information, Janet McDickson, described the allegation as “false, malicious, and misleading.”

The statement clarified that no railway construction is currently ongoing in Gombe and demanded that the online news platform retract its report and tender an apology to the minister.

The statement read, “The attention of the management and staff of the Federal Ministry of Transportation has been drawn to a publication by Sahara Reporters alleging that the transport minister diverted a $3bn railway project from the South-East to his home state, Gombe, for political gain.

“The management categorically states that the report is false, misleading, and should be disregarded.

“For the record, the Port Harcourt-Maiduguri narrow gauge railway rehabilitation project was awarded to Messrs China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation in November 2020.”

Work has been completed from Port Harcourt to Aba, with train services operational along that corridor, while rehabilitation work from Aba to Enugu is ongoing.

“The slow pace of work on the project is due to funding constraints, and the ministry is working closely with the contractor to secure the necessary funds for its completion.”

Providing further details, the ministry noted that the railway project is being executed in sections, covering Port Harcourt to Aba, Aba to Kafanchan, Kafanchan to Kuru in Jos, and Kuru to Maiduguri.

It explained that in 2024, a reconnaissance survey was conducted across the entire rail line, including Gombe, by key stakeholders—the Federal Ministry of Transportation, the Nigerian Railway Corporation, the contractor, and the consultant. However, it stressed that no construction is currently ongoing in Gombe.

It added, “The minister is focused on delivering the dividends of democracy to all Nigerians and remains committed to fulfilling the mandate of the ministry.

“We, therefore, urge Sahara Reporters to verify information before publication and desist from spreading falsehoods that mislead the public. The ministry remains dedicated to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, working tirelessly to expand the rail network and improve transportation nationwide.”