After 37 years Of Abandonment, Nigeria Resuscitates Maiduguri Rail Line

After 37 years Of Abandonment, Nigeria Resuscitates Maiduguri Rail Line

Abandoned since 1985, the Administration of President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed commitment to ensure that the Port-Harcourt-Maiduguri rail line is resuscitated.

Virtually speaking on Tuesday at the flag- off of the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the Port-Harcourt-Maiduguri rail line, Buhari said the ceremony was to mark the commencement of the implementation of another important national infrastructure which consists of three projects.

“First is the Port Harcourt to Maiduguri narrow gauge railway reconstruction project with new branch lines to Owerri, Imo State and Damaturu, Yobe State. The project is with the objective of resuscitating the once vibrant railway transportation in the Eastern railway corridor of the country, Port-Harcourt – Maiduguri.

“We are further expanding it to achieve contemporary demand for transport in the North East and Southern geopolitical zones of the country. It is also designed to link other standard gauge rail lines under construction through the provision of transshipment centres. The funding of the railway is through a loan to fund 85% project cost and the Federal Government contribution of 15% as counterpart funding,” he stated.

The President further stated that “the second and the third projects are the Bonny deep seaport and a Railway Industrial Park, Port Harcourt that are to be constructed through direct investments by our Chinese partners and international financing agencies.

“These projects will serve transportation and supply chain network for domestic needs and export as well as support imports into the hinterland of the country through the new deep seaport in Bonny Island, Rivers State.

“This improved port is designed to be a regional and international transport hub. In line with the global trends, the Railway Industrial Park will have the capability for processing exports of raw materials with value addition and also export of locally made goods.”