The President also commended the Port Harcourt to Aba section of the Eastern Rail Line, which has been completed, and assured that the remaining portions would be prioritized.
Enugu, Nigeria – President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to completing the Eastern Rail Line, which connects Port Harcourt to Maiduguri.
The assurance was given during an interactive session with South East leaders in Enugu during his official visit to the state.
The President also pledged to prioritize the development of the Anambra Basin, a significant energy reserve estimated to hold up to one billion barrels of oil and 30 billion cubic feet of gas.
During the meeting, former Minister of Power, Professor Chinedu Nebo, and Enugu State indigene Chris Ugoh appealed to the President to prioritize key regional projects. Nebo urged the federal government to accelerate the completion of the rail line, noting its potential to enhance Nigeria’s non-oil exports and economic growth. Ugoh highlighted the energy potential of the Anambra Basin, emphasizing its ability to drive industrial growth and power generation.
Responding, President Tinubu said, “It is a work in progress. I inherited some of these critical problems, and I am committed to solving them.” On gas development, he added, “Gas is an alternative to petrol. There’s no better time than now to invest more in it. We will achieve this together, and I am fortunate to have capable governors to work with.”
The President also commended the Port Harcourt to Aba section of the Eastern Rail Line, which has been completed, and assured that the remaining portions would be prioritized.
In a broader discussion on security, Onyemauche Nnamani, the National Commissioner representing the South East in the Police Service Commission, urged the federal government to implement modern strategies in the region. He advocated for technologies like statewide CCTV systems and surveillance-equipped patrol cars, instead of relying on checkpoints and roadblocks.
During his visit, President Tinubu inaugurated several projects executed by Governor Peter Mbah’s administration, including the GTC Smart Green School, New Haven/Bisalla Road, the International Conference Center, a Command-and-Control Center, and 150 patrol vehicles equipped with surveillance cameras. He also virtually commissioned other projects.
At the Command-and-Control Center, Tinubu said, “Investment in security brings rapid development. This demonstrates what we can achieve together. It reassures me that allocating more revenue to states and local governments is not a waste but a foundation for development.”
Praising Governor Mbah’s leadership, he noted, “Governor Peter Mbah is taking Enugu on a 21st-century development path. You’re building today while planning for tomorrow.” The President also lauded Mbah’s innovative approach to governance, emphasizing, “Security and development encourage investment. When there’s value for money, investors will follow.”
Tinubu emphasized his inclusive approach to governance, stating, “I don’t care about party affiliations. Leaders like Peter Mbah and Alex Otti are performing well, regardless of their political platforms. We are all part of one family called Nigeria, even if we live in different rooms within the same house. Let’s build this house to meet our present and future needs.”
Governor Mbah, in turn, described Tinubu as a “true federalist” and credited the President’s policies, including the removal of fuel subsidies and foreign exchange unification, for enabling states to fund critical development projects.
“Our vision is to grow Enugu’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion within four years, positioning it among the top three states in terms of GDP,” Mbah said. He also highlighted the steps taken to enhance public safety, end the illegal sit-at-home orders imposed by non-state actors, and improve primary healthcare and education infrastructure.
“The Smart Green Schools we inaugurated are part of efforts to equip students with 21st-century skills,” Mbah said. “Additionally, we are upgrading all 260 primary healthcare centers to ensure consistent quality across the state.”
The President commended the efforts of the South East Development Commission, which aims to tackle infrastructure and ecological challenges in the region. He also praised former Senate President Ken Nnamani for his role in safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy.
Tinubu concluded, “With leaders like Peter Mbah, we are building the foundation for a brighter tomorrow. Together, we will achieve remarkable progress for Nigeria.”
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