Abia, NRC Sign MoU To Construct Access Road Across Railway Corridor In Umuahia
The Abia State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) 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 (Goodshed) to Bende Road in Umuahia, the state capital.
The agreement was signed on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at the Governor’s Office in Umuahia.
Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Alex Otti said the access road formed part of his administration’s comprehensive plan to transform Umuahia, improve connectivity and ease traffic congestion around the railway corridor.
Governor Otti explained that the project would also complement ongoing efforts to integrate major transportation facilities in the state capital into a functional transportation hub.
“And by the time we integrate the mega station into the terminal, it will become a transportation hub. So, with the railway station, with the bus terminal, and of course, every other thing that goes with it to be in the same place, it will look nice,” the Governor said.
He directed the Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Chimezie Ukaegbu; Commissioner for Works, Engr. Otumchere Oti; General Manager of the Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA), Hon. Kingsley Agomuo; and other relevant officials to work together to ensure the project is delivered promptly.
The Governor also appealed to the Managing Director of the NRC, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, to consider increasing the number of trains operating on the Port Harcourt-Aba route.
He said the state government was committed to supporting initiatives that would improve transportation and strengthen connectivity across Abia and the wider Southeast.
Governor Otti noted that the state had also increased its fleet of electric buses to 40, with an additional 30 buses expected, adding that the combination of road, rail and bus transportation would significantly improve mobility across the state.
He further disclosed that Abia was working with other Southeast governors towards developing an integrated regional rail network, supported by the NRC.
On the existing police station located within the railway corridor, Governor Otti directed the UCDA General Manager to facilitate its temporary relocation within the facility and prepare a design for a new railway station incorporating a police station.
He directed that the proposed architectural design be shared with the NRC for consideration.
Governor Otti commended the NRC Managing Director for his support and for appointing Mr. Francis Ejike of Enugu State as the Regional Head of the Nigerian Railway Corporation in the Southeast.
Earlier in his remarks, NRC Managing Director, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, said the Corporation approved the MoU to enable the Abia State Government construct the access road through the railway corridor.
He explained that the road would link Okpara Square through Goodshed and Akanu Ibiam Road to Bende Road, thereby improving connectivity and easing traffic within Umuahia.
According to Opeifa, the state government formally sought the Corporation’s approval as part of its broader vision to transform the transportation sector, adding that the request was granted after Abia met the conditions required by the NRC.
The NRC boss described the Abia State Government as responsive and responsible, saying its adherence to due process contributed to the Corporation’s decision to enter into the agreement.
He also commended Governor Otti’s leadership and commitment to infrastructure development, noting that he often cited Abia as an example of transformative governance and effective collaboration.
Opeifa specifically highlighted the recently completed Nnenna Oti Bus Terminal as a major transportation project, describing it as a top-notch facility that reflects the administration’s commitment to improving mobility in the state.
He reiterated the need for the relocation of the existing police station within the railway corridor and requested that the proposed architectural design for the new railway station be forwarded to the NRC.
He expressed confidence that the partnership between the Abia State Government and the NRC would strengthen infrastructure, improve transportation and contribute to economic growth in the state.
The meeting was attended by the Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Chimezie Ukaegbu; Commissioner for Works, Engr. Otumchere Oti; General Manager, UCDA, Hon. Kingsley Agomuo; and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transport, Dr. Obioma Nwaogbe.
