Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has allocated a substantial $3 billion for the rehabilitation of the long-abandoned Eastern Rail Line.
The Senate, during Tuesday’s plenary, commended the President for the initiative, describing it as a strategic move to boost transportation and economic activities across the Eastern region.
Lawmakers hailed the decision as a significant step toward correcting historical infrastructural imbalances and addressing the longstanding concerns of the South-East and North-East zones.
The allocation comes as part of the President’s $21 billion foreign loan request, which was approved by the Senate. Of this sum, $3 billion is specifically earmarked for the revival of the Eastern Corridor — a rail line stretching from Port Harcourt to Maiduguri.
Speaking under Order 42 (Personal Explanation), Senator Victor Umeh (Anambra Central) recalled that he had previously raised the issue during budget deliberations. He noted that Senate President Godswill Akpabio had pledged to personally relay the matter to President Tinubu.
“This Eastern Rail Line, which now has the prospect of being reconstructed, is a welcome development, especially considering the sentiments of the people of the South-East,” Umeh said.
“I want to thank Mr. President, who, during his January visit to the South-East, promised to address this issue. With the $3 billion now allocated, that promise is on the path to fulfillment.”
In his remarks, Senate President Akpabio applauded Umeh’s non-partisan approach, stating, “Good governance must not have party boundaries. This shows Nigeria is maturing politically.”
