FEC Approves N1.1 trn For Reconstruction Of Port-Harcourt-Maiduguri Railway

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the sum of $3,020,279,549 (N1,162,656,612,387), for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the Port Harcourt-Maiduguri eastern narrow gauge railway.

This much was revealed by Rotimi Amaechi, Minister of Transportation while briefing State House correspondents after the 18th virtual meeting of the FEC.

He said new branch lines and trans-shipment facilities were approved as well. According to him, the new branch lines are from Port Harcourt to Bonny with new lines from Port Harcourt to Owerri.

Also, he added that there will be a branch line from Gombe or before Maiduguri to Damaturu and Gashua.

The minister went on to note that the council approved the construction of a new deep seaport in Bonny under Private-Public- Partnership (PPP) programme and the construction of a railway Industrial park in Port Harcourt.

Amaehci said: “The Federal Executive Council today, approved the award of contract for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the Port Harcourt to Maiduguri Eastern Narrow Gauge Railway, with new branch lines and trans-shipment facilities.

“It also approved the construction of a deep seaport in Bonny under PPP and construction of a railway industrial park in Port Harcourt.

“The railway line will be at the cost of $3,020,279,549. The industrial park, which is under PPP, at no cost to federal government, will cost $241,154,389.31.