President Bola Tinubu has pledged to complete the Eastern Rail Line connecting Port Harcourt to Maiduguri, emphasizing that the project remains a priority for his administration.
During an interactive session with Southeast leaders in Enugu on January 4, 2025, Tinubu assured attendees that his government is working diligently to address the critical infrastructure challenges he inherited. The meeting was part of his official visit to the state, where he also inaugurated several developmental projects.
Progress on the Eastern Rail Line
Former Minister of Power, Professor Chinedu Nebo, commended the completion of the Port Harcourt-to-Aba section of the rail line but urged the President to prioritize the remaining segments. Highlighting its potential, Nebo noted that the rail link could significantly boost Nigeria’s non-oil exports and economic growth.
Tinubu responded by reaffirming his commitment, stating, “It is a work in progress. We will resolve these issues together, and I am fortunate to have supportive governors.”
Anambra Basin Development
The President also pledged to support the development of the Anambra Basin, which holds an estimated 1 billion barrels of oil and 30 billion cubic feet of gas. Southeast leaders, including Chris Ugoh, emphasized its potential for energy generation and industrial growth, urging the federal government to tap into this resource for regional and national benefits.
Security and Modernization in the Southeast
Onyemauche Nnamani, representing the South East in the Police Service Commission, advocated for advanced security measures, such as statewide CCTV networks and patrol vehicles with surveillance capabilities. He also called for a reduction in checkpoints, citing their inefficiency and exposure of security personnel to attacks.
In response, Tinubu highlighted the importance of modern security investments, describing them as essential for rapid development.
Praise for Enugu State’s Development Model
President Tinubu commended Governor Peter Mbah’s innovative development initiatives, including the GTC Smart Green School, the International Conference Center, and a Command-and-Control Center equipped with surveillance technology. Tinubu lauded Mbah’s vision to grow Enugu’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion in four years, emphasizing the importance of fostering security, quality education, and affordable healthcare.
The President also recognized the governor’s efforts to end the illegal sit-at-home orders in the state, describing it as a significant step toward restoring normalcy and productivity in the region.
A Vision for Unity and Progress
Tinubu reiterated his commitment to fostering national unity, stating, “We are all members of one huge family called Nigeria, but we live in different rooms in the same house. We must build this house to satisfy our immediate and future needs.”
He further emphasized the importance of collaboration between the federal government and states, regardless of political affiliations, to achieve shared developmental goals.
Governor Mbah on Tinubu’s Legacy
Governor Mbah praised Tinubu’s federalist credentials and transformative policies, such as the Electricity Act (Amendment), which liberalized the power sector. He credited the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of foreign exchange rates as critical enablers of state-level development.
The meeting underscored the federal government’s commitment to supporting regional projects, ensuring inclusive development, and addressing infrastructure and security challenges across Nigeria.
