By Erewunmi Peace

The Federal Government has officially commenced the long-awaited reconstruction of the Eastern Rail Line Corridor, beginning with the Port Harcourt–Aba section, according to the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC).

This development is part of the Tinubu administration’s ongoing effort to revitalize critical infrastructure and improve transportation connectivity across the country.

Work Underway in Port Harcourt–Aba Section

According to Victor Adamu, Eastern District Manager of the NRC, reconstruction work resumed after the contract was handed over to the contractor in late November 2024. Train operations between Port Harcourt and Aba are now active five days a week, signaling significant progress.

“We are currently running test operations and commercial services. The work is ongoing, and the government is committed to restoring the entire corridor,” Adamu said.

What is the Eastern Rail Line?

The Eastern Rail Line is a major narrow-gauge railway corridor that runs from Port Harcourt (Rivers State) to Maiduguri (Borno State), passing through several Eastern and Northern states, including Abia, Enugu, Benue, and Bauchi. For years, the line remained inactive due to infrastructure decay, insecurity, and vandalism.

The current project is focused on rehabilitating the existing tracks, with additional plans for upgrading some segments in the near future.

Security and State Partnerships

The NRC disclosed that it is working closely with state governments in Abia, Anambra, and Enugu, as well as the Nigerian Army and Nigeria Police Force, to secure railway assets and prevent vandalism along the route.

“Our collaboration with local governments and security agencies is essential to protecting infrastructure and keeping the project on schedule,” the NRC added.

Full Restoration in Phases

While the Aba–Umuahia–Enugu stretch remains temporarily suspended, authorities assured the public that work would resume soon. The overall project is being executed in phases, with the long-term goal of restoring rail transport from the South-South to the North-East.

Quick Facts

Reconstruction active between Port Harcourt and Aba

Eastern rail corridor links Port Harcourt to Maiduguri

FG partners with states and security forces to protect rail assets

Full project expected to progress through 2026 and beyond

Conclusion

The Eastern Rail Line revival is a critical infrastructure project that could transform transportation in Eastern Nigeria and beyond. With reconstruction now underway, communities along the corridor are hopeful that rail travel, commerce, and industry will be fully restored.