Enugu State Unveils Plans For 135.5km State-Owned Rail Line Connecting South-East Cities To Onne Port

The State Commissioner for Transportation, Obi Ozor, shared the update during an interview on Enugu Kwenu, a programme aired on Afia TV on Friday.

Ozor discussed the state’s ongoing transport plans and how the proposed rail line would boost economic growth.

He stated that the feasibility study for the project had been completed, noting that the state was working with the Nigerian Railway Corporation and some Chinese firms, while discussions with investors were ongoing to secure funding.

“The line we are about to build is state-owned. It is a 135.5km standard gauge line that connects Enugu to all major cities in the South-East. You are going to see a proper connection to Anambra through Ugwuoba, and a connection to Ebonyi through the Amechi Idodo axis. And of course, connections to Umuahia, Abia, and Owerri through the line that passes through Nkanu West to Isiagu and goes all the way to Onne Port,” he said.

He also stated that the rail line was a major part of Enugu’s plan to become a trade and export hub.

“As part of turning Enugu State into a hub, rail is a critical component to enable the movement of agro-commodities from their sources all the way to the port for export and earning of foreign exchange,” he said.

He further noted that the region has a wealth of untapped natural resources such as coal, which require efficient transport.

“We have a lot of wealth locked beneath our soil, such as coal. We need to exploit them to generate significant revenue, and rail is critical to achieving this,” he added.

The planned railway will serve both passengers and cargo. According to the commissioner, it will ease the movement of goods across the South-East and help reduce the pressure on Lagos ports.

He added that it would also support the transportation of goods from nearby states like Delta.

The plan includes a new market station at the Holy Ghost Transport Terminal in Enugu, which will serve both passengers and freight.

He also stated that the state is working on establishing a major inland container port to process agro-products for both the South-East and North-East regions.

While the Federal Government is extending its own rail project from Aba to Enugu within 24 months, Ozor explained that Enugu’s rail plan is different and entirely state-led.

He added that it aligns with the state’s long-term economic development goals.