South-East Rail Plan: Governor Alex Otti says South-East states and parts of the South-South are discussing a regional rail plan linking Port Harcourt, Aba, Umuahia, Enugu, Imo and Akwa Ibom to boost integration, trade and development.
UMUAHIA — Abia State Governor Alex Otti has unveiled plans for a collaborative South-East rail plan aimed at connecting states across the South-East and parts of the South-South, describing the initiative as a strategic step toward deeper regional integration, economic growth and sustainable development.
Speaking during the July edition of his monthly media chat in Umuahia on Thursday, Otti disclosed that discussions were already underway among participating states to develop a regional railway network linking Port Harcourt, Aba, Umuahia, Enugu, Imo and Akwa Ibom.
The South-East rail plan represents a shift from isolated state infrastructure projects to a coordinated regional transport system designed to improve connectivity, facilitate commerce and strengthen economic cooperation across the region.
According to the governor, Abia had earlier engaged a Chinese company to design a light rail network connecting major parts of the state. However, after further review, the government concluded that a broader regional approach would deliver greater economic value.
“We found that linking parts of the state without taking neighbouring states into account may not be the best approach,” Otti said.
He explained that the state consequently suspended the stand-alone light rail project to align it with the emerging regional initiative.
“The South-East states and some parts of the South-South are now in discussions on how we can connect ourselves through a regional rail network,” the governor added.
Otti noted that the existing Port Harcourt–Maiduguri railway already passes through Aba, making integration with the Federal Government’s railway infrastructure both practical and economically viable.
“Integrating the proposed network with the existing federal railway corridor will be more economically viable,” he said, explaining that the decision informed the delay in implementing Abia’s original light rail project.
The governor’s remarks underscore growing recognition among South-East leaders that regional cooperation offers a stronger pathway to industrialisation, trade expansion and infrastructure development than isolated projects undertaken by individual states.
Analysts believe the proposed South-East rail plan could significantly improve the movement of people, agricultural produce, manufactured goods and raw materials across the region, while enhancing access to seaports, industrial clusters and commercial centres.
Beyond transportation, the project is expected to stimulate investments, reduce logistics costs, create employment opportunities and strengthen economic ties between the South-East and neighbouring South-South states.
The initiative also aligns with broader national efforts to modernise Nigeria’s railway infrastructure by connecting regional networks with existing federal rail corridors.
On national politics, Otti dismissed reports suggesting that South-East governors had unanimously endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“If Gov. Hope Uzodimma said so, it is his right as a governor and as an individual. He cannot speak for everybody. I think it is still early in the day to discuss that,” Otti stated.
The Labour Party governor maintained that every Nigerian interested in contesting the presidency had the constitutional right to do so, stressing that voters would ultimately decide the outcome.
“He (Tinubu) has the right to seek a second term, just as others who wish to contest have the right to do so. At the end of the day, it is the ballot box that will determine what happens, including in this state,” he said.
Otti also highlighted other development initiatives by his administration, announcing the purchase of 20 additional electric buses to improve public transportation and revealing plans to construct new housing estates in Umuahia and Aba.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to advancing education, security, infrastructure, science and technology, innovation, arts and culture, describing them as critical pillars for Abia’s long-term development.
The proposed South-East rail plan, if implemented, is expected to become one of the region’s most ambitious infrastructure collaborations, reinforcing the importance of regional synergy in unlocking economic opportunities, attracting investment and accelerating sustainable development across southern Nigeria.
South-East rail plan, Alex Otti, Abia State, Regional Integration, Railway Development, Economic Growth, Port Harcourt, Enugu
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