The Abia State Government and the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the construction of an access road across the railway corridor linking Okpara Square and Akanu Ibiam Street (Goodshed) to Bende Road in Umuahia.

Speaking during the signing ceremony at his Nvosi office in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area, Governor Alex Otti said the project was part of the administration’s comprehensive plan to transform Umuahia and address traffic challenges along the corridor.
Otti said the road would complement ongoing efforts to improve transportation infrastructure in the state capital, stressing the importance of integrating the railway station with the Nnenna Oti Bus Terminal.

He said the integration would position Umuahia as a major transportation hub.“With the railway station, the bus terminal, and, of course, everything else that goes with it being in the same place, it will look nice. So, now that we have this MoU done, we can go ahead and commence.”

According to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, Otti directed the Commissioners for Transport and Works, Dr Isaac Chimezie Ukaegbu and Engr. Otumchere Oti, respectively, as well as the General Manager of the Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA), Kingsley Agomuo, and other relevant officials to work together to deliver the project promptly.

The governor also urged the NRC Managing Director, Dr Kayode Opeifa, to increase the number of trains operating between Port Harcourt and Aba.

Otti assured the NRC of the state government’s readiness to support the Federal Government’s efforts to improve rail transportation, adding that the state would also benefit from such initiatives.

He disclosed that the state had procured additional electric buses, bringing the fleet to 40, while another 30 buses were expected.
On the request for the relocation of the Umuahia Railway Police Station to a more suitable location within the railway corridor, Otti directed the UCDA to move the police station temporarily and develop a design for a new railway station incorporating a police station.

He directed that the proposed design be shared with the NRC for consideration.
The governor also commended Opeifa for citing Abia as a model to other states, while congratulating Francis Ejike from Enugu State on his appointment as the NRC’s Regional Head for the South-East.

Otti urged Ejike to sustain the performance for which the NRC managing director had commended him.

Earlier, Opeifa said the decision to sign the MoU was driven by the need to facilitate the construction of the access road through the railway corridor in Umuahia.

He said the agreement would enable the state government to construct a road linking Okpara Square through Goodshed and Akanu Ibiam Road to Bende Road, to improve connectivity and ease traffic in the state capital.

According to him, the state government sought the NRC’s approval as part of its broader plan to transform the transport sector, adding that the request was granted after Abia met all the conditions stipulated by the corporation.
Describing the Abia government as responsive and responsible, Opeifa said its commitment to due process influenced the NRC’s decision to execute the agreement.

He commended Otti’s leadership style, saying he frequently cited the governor as an example of transformative governance and praised his willingness to collaborate across political divides.

Opeifa also lauded the administration’s infrastructure projects across the state, particularly the recently completed Nnenna Oti Bus Terminal in Umuahia, which he described as a top-notch facility reflecting the government’s commitment to improving transportation and mobility.

The NRC boss reiterated his request for the relocation of the existing Railway Police Station and asked that the architectural design for the proposed new railway station be forwarded to the corporation.

He expressed optimism that the partnership between the NRC and Abia Government would strengthen infrastructure, improve mobility and stimulate economic growth in the state.