The Minister of Transportation, Saidu Alkali, has postponed the date for the commencement of operation in the Port Harcourt-Aba section of the Port Harcourt to Maiduguri railway line till April this year. 
 
The rail line, which was scheduled to begin full operation in March as announced by the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), was shifted to April after the minister visited the Port Harcourt headquarters of the NRC yesterday.
 
Speaking with journalists shortly after inspecting the reconstructed railway track, Alkali expressed dismay over the postponement of the initial date, saying the contractor has committed to deliver the project in April. 
 
The minister also directed the contractor handling the project to ensure that the railway line is linked to both Port Harcourt and Onne Ports. He said: “This is the second time I’m in Port Harcourt for the inspection of the rail line since I assumed office as the Minister of Transportation.”

“They gave us March for commencement of operation, but I’m sure while they were doing the inspection there were some observations, and because of exigencies and technicalities of the work, it has been extended to April, because today is already March 29. 
 
“They have given us a definite commitment that by April they will be able to put Port Harcourt to Aba into use.

 
“I’m not satisfied with the level of work done, but you know when somebody has given you a deadline, and the deadline didn’t really work, of course, you will be dismayed. But if somebody promises you by March and can deliver in April, I think you can manage with that.”
 
Alkali further noted that the President Tinubu-led Federal Government was serious and committed to the delivery of all ongoing projects across the country.
 
“Because of the commitment of the government, we have decided to start with the 15 per cent component of the Federal Government to fix Port Harcourt to Aba section of the railway, and we are now trying to fix the line to Port Harcourt and Onne ports,” he added.
 
On the Calabar-Enugu-Abuja standard gauge rail line, which was also awarded by the past administration, the minister said: “When we took over, we tried to seek out the financing because there is no way you can start the project without making all the arrangements for the finances. So, as soon as the finances are ready, we are going to start.”