The Abia State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to construct an access road across the railway corridor linking Okpara Square and Akanu Ibiam Street (Goodshed) to Bende Road in Umuahia.
The MoU was signed on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at the Governor’s Office, Umuahia.
Speaking at the event, Governor Alex Otti said the road project is part of a comprehensive plan to give the state capital a facelift and tackle traffic challenges around the corridor.
“And that’s why it is important that we have this. Because there are a lot of things, like I told you (MD), the last time, what we have in mind,” the Governor said.
“And by the time we integrate the mega station into the terminal, it will become a transportation hub. So, with the railway station, with the bus terminal, and of course, every other thing that goes with it to be in the same place. And it will look nice. So, now that we have this done, we can go ahead and commence.”
Governor Otti directed the Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Chimezie Ukaegbu; Commissioner for Works, Otumchere Oti; GM of UCDA, Kingsley Agomuo and other relevant officials to work together and deliver the project quickly.
He also urged the NRC Managing Director to consider increasing the fleet of trains from Port-Harcourt to Aba. The Governor disclosed that 40 new electric buses have arrived in the state with another 30 on the way to cover the entire state.
"So, if we have the railway, including the other one I mentioned to you that I’m thinking about, and we are working with brother Governors in the Southeast to also integrate all our States on a rail network that will not belong to NRC, but will be supported hugely by NRC. That’s the way it works, everywhere in the world,” Gov. Otti stated.
The Governor further directed UCDA to temporarily relocate the existing Police Station within the railway corridor and submit the design for a new Railway Station with Police Station to the NRC.
He thanked the NRC MD for using Abia as an example and for appointing Mr. Francis Ejike as Regional Head of NRC South-East, urging him to sustain the good work.
In his remarks, the Managing Director of NRC, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, said the MoU was signed to facilitate construction of the access road aimed at improving connectivity and easing traffic in the State capital.
He explained that approval was granted after the state met all required conditions by the Corporation.
The NRC boss also requested the relocation of the police station within the corridor and that the architectural design for the new railway station be shared with him.
He expressed confidence that the partnership would strengthen infrastructure, improve mobility and drive economic growth in the State.
The Governor was joined at the event by the Commissioners for Transport and Works, the GM of UCDA, and the SSA on Transport, Dr. Obioma Nwaogbe.(The Eagle News)
