President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to completing the Eastern Rail Line, linking Port Harcourt to Maiduguri, as part of efforts to boost Nigeria’s non-oil exports and foster economic growth.
During an interactive session with South East leaders in Enugu State on Saturday, Tinubu also promised to develop the Anambra Basin, which is estimated to hold one billion barrels of oil and 30 billion cubic feet of gas.
Eastern Rail Line Priority
The President’s pledge followed an appeal by former Minister of Power, Professor Chinedu Nebo, who lauded the completion of the Port Harcourt-Aba section of the rail line. Nebo emphasized the rail’s potential to drive regional economic growth, urging the President to prioritize the remaining sections.
Responding, Tinubu assured, “It is a work in progress. I inherited some of these critical problems and am committed to solving them.”
Development of the Anambra Basin
Chris Ugoh, an Enugu State indigene, highlighted the Anambra Basin’s potential to support power generation and provide industrial feedstocks, calling for federal support in its development. Tinubu affirmed his administration’s focus on gas as an alternative energy source, stating, “Gas is an alternative to petrol. There is no wasting of time; we will invest more in it.”
Security Overhaul in the Southeast
Onyemauche Nnamani, the National Commissioner representing the South East in the Police Service Commission, appealed for the adoption of modern security strategies, including the use of CCTV and surveillance-equipped patrol vehicles, as implemented in Enugu State. He urged the federal government to phase out traditional checkpoints, citing inefficiencies and security risks.
“Checkpoints increase the cost of logistics, lead to high inflation, and expose security personnel to undue risks. With Enugu’s statewide CCTV system and modern patrol cars, roadblocks are no longer necessary,” Nnamani said.
Enugu State Achievements
Earlier, Tinubu inaugurated several state projects, including the GTC Smart Green School, New Haven/Bisalla Road, the International Conference Center, and the Command-and-Control Center, alongside 150 surveillance-equipped patrol vehicles.
Praising Governor Peter Mbah’s leadership, Tinubu said, “You are taking Enugu on the path of 21st-century development. We are all part of one huge family called Nigeria, and we must build this house together.”
Federal Support for Sub-National Development
Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting state governments, irrespective of party affiliation. “I don’t care which party you come from; you are my friend. Leaders like Peter Mbah and Alex Otti are showing what is possible when resources are directed toward development,” Tinubu said.
Governor Mbah’s Vision
Governor Mbah outlined his ambitious plan to grow Enugu’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion within four years, emphasizing investments in security, education, and healthcare.
“We no longer observe sit-at-home orders. Our people go to work every day, and we no longer take orders from non-state actors,” Mbah declared.
Mbah credited Tinubu’s bold reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies and forex unification, for enabling the state to complete critical projects.
South East Leaders’ Appeal
South East leaders, represented by Nnamani, called on Tinubu to dismantle checkpoints in the region and revive the Anambra Basin, stressing the importance of security for economic growth and investment.
“We must avoid giving the impression that the region is unsafe. Modern security measures like those in Enugu are the way forward,” Nnamani stated.
Tinubu’s visit concluded with a commitment to addressing the region’s challenges, fostering national unity, and driving development across Nigeria.
