The Federal Government has promised that it would ensure that there is smooth train operation in the South South and South Eastern zones of the country.

FG also noted that it would ensure adequate security for users of the trail lines running through the two zones.

The government spoke while flagging off train operation on the first phase of the Port Harcourt-Maiduguri Rail line running through Port Harcourt to Aba (Abia State).

The Minister of Transportation, Senator Said Alkali, who commissioned the commencement of rail services on the Eastern Corridor Narrow Gauge Line in Port Harcourt, explained that the locomotives have been tested, expressing the hope that no issue of breakdown of locomotives along the line would be experienced.

Alkali stated that the completion and commencement of services on the corridor underscored President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment in the transportation sector and bringing succor to Nigerians.

The Minster while giving a description of the rail line, noted that the line would cover five geo-political zones of the country and that the first phase that runs from Port Harcourt to Aba in Abia State has been completed.

He said: “We give God the glory that we are here to commission the train service from Port Harcourt to Aba and to thank the Commander-in-Chief, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support and commitment to the Ministry of Transportation out of his desire to bring succor to the people of this great country.

“The Eastern narrow gauge covers five geopolitical zones of the country. It covers South-South, South-East, North-Central, North-West and North-East.

“So, it means a lot to the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and I’m happy that today one segment is being put to use, and this is the first presence of the Railway Corporation in the South South.

“So, we are prepared, we are going to ride on the train from Port Harcourt to Aba, and from today, the passenger train will commence. By the grace of God Almighty, from Aba, we are going to proceed to Enugu, and from Port Harcourt to Onne Port and Port Harcourt Port so that we will be able to put freight service in the haulage.”

He revealed that the ministry was considering engaging an investor on retrofitting of the locomotives from diesel to compressed natural gas (CNG) to further bring down the cost of transportation.

“This line has been test-run for about one week now and we have no issue so by the grace of God, we will not have any issue of any locomotive breaking down on the road, the minister stated,” Alkali said. (Vanguard)

Update news