The Abia State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to facilitate the construction of an access road across the railway corridor linking Okpara Square and Akanu Ibiam Street, popularly known as Goodshed, to Bende Road in Umuahia.

Governor Alex Otti, who spoke during the signing ceremony on Wednesday, said the project was part of his administration’s broader plan to transform the state capital, improve connectivity and address traffic challenges along the corridor.

Otti said the project would complement plans to integrate the railway station with the Nnenna Oti Bus Terminal and other transport facilities to create a major transportation hub in Umuahia.

He directed the Commissioner for Transport, Chimezie Ukaegbu; Commissioner for Works, Engr. Otumchere Oti; General Manager of the Umuahia Capital Development Authority, Kingsley Agomuo; and other relevant officials to work together to ensure the project was delivered promptly.

The governor also appealed to the NRC Managing Director to consider increasing the number of trains operating between Port Harcourt and Aba.

He said the state was also expanding its public transportation network, noting that 40 new electric buses had arrived, with another 30 expected.

Otti further disclosed plans to work with other South-East governors on the development of an integrated regional rail network.

“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,” he said.

The governor also addressed the issue of a police station currently located within the railway corridor.

He directed the UCDA general manager to relocate the station temporarily within the facility and develop a design for a new railway station incorporating a police station, which would subsequently be shared with the NRC.

Otti thanked the NRC Managing Director for his cooperation with the state and commended Francis Ejike, the corporation’s Regional Head for the South-East, for his performance.

Earlier, NRC Managing Director, Dr Kayode Opeifa, said the agreement was designed to facilitate the construction of the access road through the railway corridor in Umuahia.

He explained that the road would connect Okpara Square through Goodshed and Akanu Ibiam Road to Bende Road, improving connectivity and easing traffic within the state capital.

According to Opeifa, the Abia Government sought the corporation’s approval as part of its plan to transform the state’s transportation sector.

He said the NRC approved the request after the state government fulfilled the conditions required for the project.

Opeifa described the Abia Government as responsive and committed to due process, saying these factors influenced the corporation’s decision to enter into the agreement.

He also commended Otti’s infrastructure development efforts and cited the recently completed Nnenna Oti Bus Terminal as an example of the administration’s investment in transportation infrastructure.

The NRC boss requested the relocation of the existing police station within the railway corridor and asked that the architectural design for the proposed new railway station be forwarded to the corporation.

He expressed confidence that the partnership would strengthen transportation infrastructure, improve mobility and contribute to economic growth in Abia State.