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Governor Alex Otti of Abia State on Tuesday re-emphasized the critical role of transportation in the economic development and growth of Nigeria.
According to his Chief Press Secretary, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, Governor Otti stated this during a meeting with a delegation of the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC), led by the New Managing Director, Dr. Kayode Opeifa.
The Governor described transportation as a sector that is very important to economic development and growth.
Otti while expressing concerns that progress had stalled on the Umuahia to Enugu section of the railway corridor as they were originally scheduled for completion by the first quarter of last year, said that he is confident that under the New Managing Director, the trajectory of NRC work would change positively.
The Governor was quoted to have expressed optimism that the fresh leadership at the Nigeria Railway Corporation would bring the needed speed and quality to the railway projects across the Nation, especially, the South-East corridor.
He also reiterated his administration’s commitment to overhauling the State’s transport sector to enhance economic activities, disclosed that efforts are ongoing to modernize the transport system in the State.
Otti said, “I have no doubt that the ideas that have been on the table even long before you came on board, may have been struggling, but I believe that as you (New MD) get down to work, it would be done.
“The speed with which the other parts of the corridor were executed and the speed at which the execution is happening right now are different, but, I am sure you’ll change the trajectory very soon.
Reacting to concerns raised about the security of NRC assets in Aba, Governor Otti assured that he would look into the issue and provide necessary support, including logistics.
According to the CPS to the Governor, Otti also emphasized that his government does not discriminate between Federal and State project but is always willing to partner with individuals or agencies that want to bring development to the State.
Speaking earlier, the Managing Director, Nigerian Railway Cooperation, Dr. Kayode Opeifa disclosed that the essence of the meeting is to deepen discussions and the plans on how best to revive the Aba – Umuahia rail line.
According to him, the corporation which intends to add value to the nation’s economy, targets to reduce inflation, stabilize the economy and reduce the cost of transporting goods and services, adding that, they have the mandate to ensure that all major cities in the South-East are connected to the national rail line.
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