Abia, NRC Sign MoU On Access Road Across Umuahia Rail Corridor
The Abia State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to facilitate the construction of an access road across the railway corridor in Umuahia, the state capital.
The proposed road will link Okpara Square and Akanu Ibiam Street, popularly known as Goodshed, to Bende Road, with the aim of improving connectivity and easing traffic congestion within the capital.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, said the project formed part of his administration’s broader plan to transform Umuahia and address transportation challenges in the city.
Otti explained that the access road would complement ongoing efforts to integrate the railway station and bus terminal into a major transportation hub.
He directed the Commissioners for Transport and Works, Chimezie Ukaegbu and Otumchere Oti, respectively, alongside the General Manager of the Umuahia Capital Development Authority, Kingsley Agomuo, and other relevant officials to work together to ensure the project was delivered promptly.
The governor also appealed to the NRC to increase the number of trains operating between Port Harcourt and Aba, stressing the importance of rail transportation to the state’s mobility and economic development.
He disclosed that the state had increased its fleet of electric buses to 40, with an additional 30 buses expected, noting that the combination of road, bus and rail transportation would significantly improve mobility across Abia.
Otti further revealed plans to collaborate with other South-East governors on developing an integrated regional rail network, with support from the NRC.
On the existing police station located within the railway corridor, the governor directed the Umuahia Capital Development Authority to relocate it temporarily and develop a design for a new railway station incorporating a police facility.
Earlier, the NRC Managing Director, Dr Kayode Opeifa, said the agreement was reached after the Abia Government fulfilled the conditions required by the corporation for the construction of the access road.
Opeifa said the project would improve connectivity between Okpara Square, Goodshed, Akanu Ibiam Road and Bende Road, thereby easing traffic and enhancing mobility in Umuahia.
He commended the Abia Government for following due process and described the administration as responsive and committed to infrastructure development.
The NRC boss also praised Governor Otti’s collaboration with the corporation, highlighting the recently completed Nnenna Oti Bus Terminal as an example of the state’s investment in modern transportation infrastructure.
Opeifa expressed confidence that the partnership would strengthen transportation infrastructure, improve mobility and contribute to economic growth in Abia State.
