The Abia State Government has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to facilitate the construction of a strategic access road across the railway corridor in Umuahia, the state capital.
The agreement, signed on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at the Abia State Governor’s Office, is expected to improve road connectivity, ease traffic congestion and support the ongoing transformation of Umuahia’s transportation infrastructure.
The proposed access road will connect Okpara Square through Akanu Ibiam Street, popularly known as Goodshed, to Bende Road. The project is part of the administration of Governor Alex Otti’s broader plan to modernise the state capital and improve movement within key areas of the city.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Governor Otti said the new road would complement other transportation projects being developed by the state government.
According to the governor, integrating the railway station with the planned transport terminal could transform the area into a major transportation hub, bringing rail and road transportation facilities together in one location.
He directed the Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Chimezie Ukaegbu; Commissioner for Works, Engr. Otumchere Oti; General Manager of the Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA), Hon. Kingsley Agomuo; and other relevant officials to work together to ensure the project is delivered promptly.
Governor Otti also appealed to the Nigerian Railway Corporation to increase the number of trains operating on the Port Harcourt-Aba route, stressing the importance of an efficient rail system to the state’s wider transportation plans.
He noted that Abia had also expanded its public transportation capacity with the arrival of new electric buses. According to him, the state currently has 40 electric buses, with an additional 30 expected, which would strengthen intra-state transportation.
The governor further disclosed that Abia was working with other Southeast governors on plans to promote regional rail connectivity across the zone, with the support of the Nigerian Railway Corporation.
On the railway facility in Umuahia, Governor Otti directed the UCDA management to facilitate the temporary relocation of the existing police station situated within the railway corridor. He also requested the preparation of an architectural design for a new railway station incorporating a police facility, which would subsequently be presented to the NRC.
Governor Otti commended NRC Managing Director, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, for his support and described the appointment of Mr. Francis Ejike as the corporation’s regional head in the Southeast as a positive development.
Earlier, Dr. Opeifa explained that the MoU was necessary to formally permit the Abia State Government to construct the proposed access road through the railway corridor.
He said the road would provide an important link between Okpara Square, Goodshed, Akanu Ibiam Road and Bende Road, thereby improving accessibility and helping to reduce traffic pressure in Umuahia.
The NRC managing director said the corporation approved the request after the Abia State Government fulfilled the necessary conditions and requirements for the project.
Opeifa described the Abia administration as responsible and committed to due process, adding that Governor Otti’s willingness to collaborate with the NRC contributed to the successful conclusion of the agreement.
He also praised the administration’s infrastructure programme across Abia, citing the recently completed Nnenna Oti Bus Terminal as an example of the state’s efforts to improve transportation infrastructure and mobility.
The NRC boss equally supported the relocation of the existing police station from the railway corridor and requested that the proposed design for the new railway station be forwarded to the corporation.
The partnership between the Abia State Government and the Nigerian Railway Corporation is expected to strengthen transportation infrastructure in Umuahia, improve traffic flow and create better connections between road and rail services.
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With the proposed access road and plans for an integrated transport hub, the project could become an important component of Abia’s broader strategy to modernise transportation and stimulate economic activity in the state.
