Tinubu Pledges Eastern Rail Line Completion, Highlights Collaboration with Peter Obi

President Tinubu commits to completing the Eastern Rail Line and emphasizes the importance of working with Peter Obi to drive progress in Nigeria.

President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his dedication to finishing the Eastern Rail Line, linking Port Harcourt and Maiduguri.

During his official visit to Enugu State on Saturday, this assurance was provided in an interactive session with South East leaders.

Tinubu additionally pledged federal assistance for the development of the Anambra Basin, a significant energy reserve believed to contain 1 billion barrels of oil and 30 billion cubic feet of gas.

In a statement from his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, the President highlighted the strategic significance of these initiatives.

During the session, President Tinubu addressed several appeals. Former Minister of Power Professor Chinedu Nebo urged the government to prioritize the rail project in order to enhance Nigeria’s non-oil exports and stimulate economic growth. Additionally, Chris Ugoh emphasized the potential of the Anambra Basin for driving power generation and industrial development, advocating for federal intervention.

Onyemauche Nnamani, serving as a National Commissioner for the Police Service Commission, called for the implementation of modern security strategies in the area. He proposed initiatives such as installing statewide CCTV systems and deploying patrol vehicles fitted with surveillance technology. Additionally, he argued for reducing checkpoints and roadblocks due to their inefficiency and potential dangers to security personnel.

President Tinubu assured the leaders of his commitment to addressing their concerns, stating, “This is an ongoing effort. I have inherited some of these important issues and am determined to resolve them.”

The President praised Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu for his innovative development initiatives following the inauguration of several state projects. These included the GTC Smart Green School, the International Conference Center, and a Command-and-Control Center with modern surveillance systems. Additionally, Tinubu virtually commissioned more projects from the Enugu State Government House.

During the inauguration of the Command-and-Control Center, Tinubu highlighted the strong connection between security and development, commending the state’s investments. “This showcases what we can accomplish together,” he stated. “Leaders such as Peter Mbah are establishing a 21st-century benchmark for development.”

Praising the governor once more, Tinubu stated, “My dear friend Peter, together we can accomplish great things for Nigeria and ensure a prosperous future.” He emphasized the importance of private sector participation in governance and noted that security and development are key to attracting investment.

Governor Mbah, reciprocally praised Tinubu as a genuine federalist and commended the creation of the South East Development Commission along with the liberalization of Nigeria’s electricity sector. He emphasized his own administration’s initiatives to improve public safety, eradicate unlawful sit-at-home directives, and broaden access to quality education and healthcare services.

Mbah expressed the intention to expand Enugu’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion in four years through these ambitious initiatives. He attributed this potential growth to Tinubu’s policies, including the removal of fuel subsidies and unification of foreign exchange rates, which he believes enhance states’ abilities to finance development projects effectively.

Both leaders reiterated their dedication to working together, with Tinubu promising ongoing federal assistance for state-driven development projects nationwide.