Transport ministry denies diverting $3b Southeast railway funds

The Federal Ministry of Transportation has denied allegations that Minister Sa’idu Alkali diverted a $3 billion railway project from the South-East to his home state, Gombe, for political reasons.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the ministry’s Director of Information, Janet McDickson, described the claims as “false, malicious, and misleading,” urging the online platform that published the report to retract it and issue an apology.

“The attention of the management and staff of the Federal Ministry of Transportation has been drawn to a publication by Sahara Reporters alleging that the Transport Minister diverted a $3 billion railway project from the South-East to his home state, Gombe, for political gain,” the statement read.

“The management categorically states that the report is false, misleading, and should be disregarded.”

The ministry clarified that the Port Harcourt-Maiduguri narrow gauge railway rehabilitation project, awarded to Messrs China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation in November 2020, remains on course.

It noted that work had been completed from Port Harcourt to Aba, with train services operational, while rehabilitation work from Aba to Enugu is ongoing.

According to the ministry, the slow pace of work is due to funding constraints, but efforts are being made to secure the necessary funds to ensure completion.
The project, it explained, is being executed in sections, covering Port Harcourt to Aba, Aba to Kafanchan, Kafanchan to Kuru in Jos, and Kuru to Maiduguri. It also noted that while a reconnaissance survey was conducted in 2024, including in Gombe, no construction work is currently ongoing in the state.

Reaffirming the minister’s commitment to equitable development, the statement added, “The Honourable Minister is focused on delivering the dividends of democracy to all Nigerians and remains committed to fulfilling the mandate of the ministry.”

The ministry further urged media platforms to verify information before publication and avoid misleading the public, stressing its dedication to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda in expanding the country’s rail network.