FG to complete Eastern railway project, unlock Anambra Basin’s vast oil and gas reserves

President Bola Tinubu has pledged to complete the Eastern Rail line, a crucial project connecting Port Harcourt to Maiduguri, and also support the development of the Anambra Basin, a significant energy reserve.

This move is expected to boost economic growth and development in the region.

Notably, the Federal Government has already shown commitment to infrastructure development in the South-east, with 69 ongoing road and bridge projects in the region.

Persecondnews reports that the President made this commitment during an interactive session with South-East leaders in Enugu on Saturday.

The Eastern Rail Line project, initiated by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2021, aims to reconstruct and expand the existing narrow-gauge railway, passing through eastern capitals, including Umuahia, Owerri, Awka, Enugu, and Abakaliki.

The project, estimated to cost $3.02 billion, is expected to enhance transportation infrastructure and stimulate economic activities along the corridor.

While in Enugu, President Tinubu also pledged to support the development of the Anambra Basin, which is estimated to hold up to 1 billion barrels of oil and 30 billion cubic feet of gas.

The President’s commitment was in response to appeals from former Minister of Power, Prof Chinedu Nebo, and an Enugu State indigene, Chris Ugoh.

Tinubu said: “It is a work in progress. I inherited some of these critical problems and am committed to solving them. On the support of the gas infrastructure. Sure, gas is an alternative to petrol.

“There is no wasting of time than to invest more in it. We will do it together, and I am lucky I have good governors.”

The Nigerian leader also inaugurated several projects executed by the state government, including the GTC Smart Green School, New Haven/Bisalla Road, the International Conference Center, the Command-and-Control Center, and 150 patrol vehicles equipped with surveillance cameras.

The President praised Gov. Peter Mbah’s development model and philosophy, pledging federal government support for Enugu and other states’ development efforts.

Tinubu emphasized the importance of investment in security, stating that it will bring rapid development.

He also commended Mbah for his commitment to human development, saying, “I don’t care which party you come from; you are my friend.”