Minister of Transportation, Saidu Alkali
Federal Government Orders Rail Line Connection to Port Harcourt and Onne Ports
The Federal Government has instructed the linking of the Port Harcourt-Aba rail line, currently in the final stages of construction, to the Port Harcourt and Onne Ports in Rivers State to facilitate freight operations.
Senator Saidu Alkali, the Minister of Transportation, revealed this while addressing journalists in Port Harcourt after inspecting the progress of the Port Harcourt-Aba Railway track reconstruction.
Alkali noted that despite initial plans for train operations to commence along the route in March 2024, technical issues have necessitated a postponement to April.
“This is the second time I have come to Port Harcourt for the inspection of the rail line since I assumed office as the Minister of Transportation,” Alkali remarked. “While they gave us March as the deadline, I have extracted a commitment from the consultant and the contractor that, due to exigencies and technicalities, the operation may be extended to April.”
Expressing disappointment at the contractors’ failure to meet the March deadline, Alkali acknowledged their assurance to complete the Port Harcourt to Aba section by March 6, with operations expected to commence soon after.
Addressing financial challenges, the Minister affirmed the government’s dedication to completing rail projects across the country, including standard and narrow gauge lines.
“Government is serious and committed to developing all the projects in the country,” Alkali emphasized. “I have directed the contractor to link Port Harcourt rail to Port Harcourt Port and Port Harcourt to Onne Port for freight operations to start.”
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