Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has disclosed that discussions are ongoing between his administration and a Chinese company to initiate a light rail construction project that will span the entire Southeast state.
The plan was brought to light
by the Governor during an interview on Channels Television's 'Politics Today'
programme on Thursday, February 29, 2024.
While campaigning for office
during the 2023 elections, Otti had pledged to undertake the construction of a
light rail system in the state if elected.
And in what appears like a move
towards fulfilling that promise, the Governor said the process for realisation
is currently in motion.
“We are discussing with a Chinese company and
the discussions are going on well. It is not going to be easy, but it is going
to be done.
“It is not something that you
will just start and finish today,” he stated.
However, the Governor noted
that the design for the light rail system is currently being developed, after
which the focus will shift towards addressing the commercial aspects.
Otti emphatically stated that
the proposed light rail will come to fruition, stressing his commitment to
seeing the project through to successful completion.
The designs are being done. “We
will move from there to commercial issues and at the end of the day we will do
it,” he added.
If the ambitious plan comes to
fruition, it will be a significant, groundbreaking feat in Africa's most
populous country.
Nigeria is revamping its rail
infrastructure and opening up new routes to inject efficiency and convenience
into the nation's transportation sector.
Otti's disclosure came on the
same day the Lagos State Government unveiled Phase One of its Red Line rail
service, which runs from Agbado, a border town in Ogun, to Oyingbo with eight
train stations.
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