Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for allocating $3 billion for the completion of the Eastern Rail line.

It is worth recalling that the House of Representatives, during its Wednesday plenary session, approved the President’s request for the funding of the project.

The project is viewed as a vital component of the government’s efforts to drive economic development and improve the lives of people in the South East and Nigeria as a whole.

While commending the President, the deputy speaker stated that the Eastern Rail Line is a critical infrastructure project aimed at boosting economic growth and regional connectivity.
He said that through this gesture, the President has underscored the action-oriented nature of his Renewed Hope Agenda, demonstrating a clear commitment to unlocking the economic potential of the South East.

Kalu assured the President that the Igbo people would reciprocate his goodwill at the appropriate time, reflecting the region’s deep appreciation for his efforts to foster growth and prosperity in the South East.

He said, “I commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his visionary leadership and commitment to the development of the South East region.

“He has again demonstrated his love for the people of the South East region by this bold step of completing the Eastern rail line, which is expected to boost Nigeria’s non-oil exports and economic growth once completed.

“The rail line is projected to unlock about ₦50 billion in annual trade, linking Aba and Onitsha hubs to the markets in the northern region.

“We can’t but show our immense gratitude to the President for this initiative to upscale the infrastructure in the South East.

“Indeed, the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President is not in words but in action, especially for Ndigbo and at the right time, we will reciprocate this kind gesture. We are so grateful, Mr. President.”