Abia State Governor Alex Otti has revealed that governors in the South-East and parts of the South-South are working on plans to develop a regional rail network aimed at improving connectivity, boosting trade and driving economic integration across the two regions.
Otti disclosed this during the July edition of his monthly media chat in Umuahia on Thursday.
According to him, the proposed rail system will connect major commercial and industrial hubs, including Port Harcourt, Aba, Enugu, Imo and Akwa Ibom, creating a more integrated transportation network.
The governor said the Abia State Government had initially commissioned a Chinese firm to design a light rail project that would connect key parts of the state.
“We had engaged a Chinese company which produced a design that would link many parts of the state.
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“But, on further consideration, we found that linking parts of the state without taking neighbouring states into account may not be the best approach,” he said.
Otti explained that the state subsequently suspended the standalone project to align it with the proposed regional rail 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,” he said.
He noted that the existing Port Harcourt–Maiduguri railway already passes through Aba, adding that integrating the proposed network with the Federal Government’s rail infrastructure would provide greater economic value and long-term sustainability.
According to the governor, this strategic review accounts for the delay in executing Abia’s earlier light rail proposal.
On reports that South-East governors had endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term ahead of the 2027 general election, Otti said no governor could speak on behalf of the entire region.
“I am not sure I heard that, but if Governor 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.
“But let us also be clear that this is a government and governance flows from the national level through the sub-national levels to the local governments,” he said.
The Labour Party governor stressed that President Tinubu, like every eligible Nigerian, has the constitutional right to seek re-election, adding that only voters would determine the outcome of the 2027 presidential poll.
“He 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,” Otti added.
The governor also announced that his administration had acquired 20 additional electric buses to strengthen public transportation across Abia, adding that they would soon be deployed.
He further disclosed that plans were underway to develop new housing estates in Umuahia and Aba as part of efforts to expand urban infrastructure and improve living conditions.
Otti reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to investing in critical sectors, including education, security, infrastructure, science and technology, innovation, arts and culture, to accelerate the state’s development.
