The Enugu State Government has revealed plans to construct a 135.5-kilometre standard gauge rail line that will link major cities in the South-East region to the Onne Port in Rivers State.
The project, which aims to bolster trade and logistics in the region, was announced by the Commissioner for Transportation, Obi Ozor, during a recent interview on Afia TV’s “Enugu Kwenu” programme.
According to Ozor, the feasibility study has been completed, and Enugu is collaborating with the Nigerian Railway Corporation and Chinese firms, while discussions are ongoing with private investors to secure funding.
“The line we are about to build is state-owned. It connects Enugu to all major cities in the South-East—Anambra through Ugwuoba, Ebonyi via Amechi Idodo, and Abia and Imo through Nkanu West to Isiagu, continuing to Onne Port,” Ozor said.
He highlighted the rail’s role in transforming Enugu into a trade and export hub, particularly for agricultural products and natural resources like coal, which require efficient logistics for export and revenue generation.
The proposed line will support both passenger and cargo services, easing pressure on Lagos ports by enhancing goods transportation across the South-East and even from nearby states like Delta.
A key component of the plan is a market station at the Holy Ghost Transport Terminal in Enugu, designed to serve freight and passengers. Additionally, the state is working to establish a major inland container port to process agro-products for both the South-East and North-East regions.
While the Federal Government’s ongoing Aba-Enugu rail extension is expected to be completed within 24 months, Ozor clarified that Enugu’s plan is an independent, state-led initiative, aligned with its broader economic development goals.
