China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) has announced the completion of the laying of tracks on the Port Harcourt to Aba section of the eastern narrow gauge railway. John Zhao, an official of CCECC, shared the news on the company's official website, stating that the track laying from Port Harcourt to Aba has been successfully completed. This progress marks a significant achievement in the Nigeria Eastern Narrow-Gauge Railway project, bringing new hope and development to the region.
The Port Harcourt to Aba rail line has been a long-awaited project that will greatly enhance transportation infrastructure in Nigeria. Fidet Okhiria, the managing director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), had previously stated that the track laying from Port Harcourt to Aba rail section would be ready in 15 days. The completion of this section is a testament to the hard work and dedication of all those involved in the project. The reconstruction of the eastern rail line has been a priority for the federal government, with the Port Harcourt-Enugu section being the first target. However, the project has faced challenges, and the slow pace of reconstruction has been a cause for concern. Despite the criticism, the completion of the Port Harcourt to Aba section brings renewed optimism for the future of the eastern rail line. In March 2021, former President Muhammed Buhari initiated the $3.2 billion Port Harcourt to Maiduguri narrow gauge railway reconstruction project. This ambitious project aims to connect various states in Nigeria through a modern and efficient rail network. While there have been debates about the choice of a narrow gauge rail instead of a standard gauge, the completion of the Port Harcourt to Aba section demonstrates progress towards improving transportation connectivity in the region.
