President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to completing the Eastern Rail Line connecting Port Harcourt to Maiduguri, describing it as a “work in progress.”
The President made this promise during an interactive session with South East leaders in Enugu on Saturday, as revealed in a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
Key Assurances from the President
President Tinubu also pledged federal support for developing the Anambra Basin, which is estimated to hold one billion barrels of oil and 30 billion cubic feet of gas. He emphasized the significance of gas infrastructure as an alternative to petrol, promising swift action on investments in this sector.
Responding to concerns raised by leaders such as former Minister of Power Professor Chinedu Nebo and South East representative Chris Ugoh, Tinubu assured them of his administration’s dedication to their requests.
- Nebo’s Appeal: Called for the completion of the Eastern Rail Line, highlighting its potential to boost non-oil exports and drive economic growth.
- Ugoh’s Advocacy: Urged the development of the Anambra Basin to bolster power generation and supply industrial feedstocks.
Security Reforms for the South East
Onyemauche Nnamani, National Commissioner representing the South East in the Police Service Commission, proposed modern security strategies, including expanded CCTV coverage and patrol vehicles with surveillance capabilities. He advised against reliance on checkpoints, calling them inefficient and dangerous for security personnel.
Tinubu acknowledged these security suggestions, praising Governor Peter Mbah for innovative security measures such as the newly inaugurated Command-and-Control Center in Enugu.
Commendation for Enugu’s Development
The President lauded Governor Mbah for his transformative development initiatives, including the GTC Smart Green School, new road networks, and enhanced healthcare facilities. Tinubu expressed optimism about Enugu’s 21st-century trajectory and affirmed federal support for the state’s growth ambitions.
Governor Mbah shared his vision to expand Enugu’s GDP from $4.4 billion to $30 billion within four years, citing the elimination of illegal sit-at-home orders and investments in education, healthcare, and infrastructure as pivotal to achieving this goal.
National Unity and Collaboration
President Tinubu reiterated his commitment to fostering unity across Nigeria, dismissing divisions based on party, language, or region.
“We are all members of one large family called Nigeria, living in different rooms of the same house,” he said.
Development and Federal Legacy
Tinubu’s visit also spotlighted the federal government’s strides, such as establishing the South East Development Commission and passing the Electricity Act, which decentralizes power generation, transmission, and distribution.
As the session concluded, the President underscored the importance of collaboration between federal and state governments to unlock Nigeria’s potential.
