FG Urges Rivers State to Join Operation of Port Harcourt

FG Urges Rivers State to Join Operation of Port Harcourt–Aba Railway Corridor

PORT HARCOURT, Nigeria — The Federal Government of Nigeria has called on the Rivers State Government to take an active role in the operation of the Port Harcourt–Aba railway corridor, a critical part of the broader effort to revitalise Nigeria’s railway infrastructure, especially along the Eastern corridor.

This appeal was made by Dr. Kayode Opeifa, Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), during an inspection tour of the Port Harcourt railway station on Tuesday, according to a report by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

Rail Revamp: Eastern Corridor in Focus

Dr. Opeifa’s visit is part of a wider assessment of the Eastern rail corridor, which runs from Port Harcourt to Maiduguri, and extends from Port Harcourt to Warri. He emphasized the need for greater collaboration between state governments and private investors in managing and expanding rail operations.

“The narrow-gauge tracks pass through Port Harcourt to Aba, so the state government can also participate by operating the rail route from Port Harcourt to Aba,” Opeifa said.

He suggested that Rivers State could adopt a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, similar to what is already in motion in Plateau State, where the government recently signed an MoU with the NRC to operate the Jos–Kuru rail corridor under the initiative known as ‘Rail on the Plateau’.

Operational Status & Infrastructure Updates

Dr. Opeifa confirmed that the Port Harcourt–Aba rail route is fully operational, offering significant potential for economic growth, regional connectivity, and passenger and cargo transport efficiency.

He also revealed that:

Construction of the Enugu–Maiduguri rail segment is set to commence soon
The narrow-gauge line has already reached Aba, with Enugu works expected to accelerate
The NRC is exploring multimodal transport integration—linking rail and inland waterways—to boost logistics and cargo handling across Nigeria

Private Sector Participation Encouraged

To expand capacity and improve service delivery, Dr. Opeifa urged the private sector to invest in rolling stock, including locomotives and passenger coaches. He noted that such partnerships are essential to meet growing demand and sustain rail development.

“Private sector involvement can bring in the capital, technology, and innovation needed to scale up operations and reduce pressure on government budgets,” he said.

Policy Direction: What This Means for Rivers and Beyond

The NRC’s push for subnational involvement aligns with the federal government’s broader agenda to decentralize rail operations, making them more responsive to local needs and commercially viable through collaborative efforts.

For Rivers State, the opportunity lies in:

Tapping into economic potential through improved trade and mobility
Reducing road congestion and vehicle wear-and-tear through efficient freight rail options
Creating local jobs in rail operations, maintenance, and logistics
Encouraging tourism and intra-regional travel within the South-South and South-East zones

The Bigger Picture: Toward a National Rail Revival

The Eastern corridor—often regarded as underutilized compared to the Lagos–Ibadan Western route—holds immense strategic value. With the FG’s support, combined with state-level participation and private capital, Nigeria can unlock new dimensions of connectivity, commerce, and regional development.

As construction and coordination continue, Dr. Opeifa reiterated the NRC’s commitment to ensuring that the entire Eastern rail corridor becomes fully functional, integrated, and sustainable.