The federal government has concluded plan to build a coastal
rail line in Onitsha by 2020.
Disclosing this during the Ofala Festival of the traditional
ruler of Onitsha, HRM Igwe Alfred Achebe, Dr. Chris Ngige, the
Minister of Labour, noted that the federal government in its bid to
develop the South East has embarked on several developmental
projects in the area of road construction, erosion control as well
as other infrastructure.
Speaking specifically on the ongoing construction work on the
second Niger Bridge project, as well as Enugu-Onitsha Expressway,
Ngige, who represented President Muhammed Buhari at the occasion,
stated that work is progressing rapidly and that contractor had
assured that the project will be completed before schedule
date.
While praising the monarch for his leadership qualities and his
ardent interest in development of his people, he disclosed that the
federal government has concluded a comprehensive plan to build a
coastal rail line that will commence from Onitsha – Asaba – Warri
in Delta State to Itakpe in Abuja.
He also said that plans have been concluded to commence
operation of Onitsha dry seaport, which has been abandoned for
years.
Earlier, in his address, HRM Achebe called for development of
Onitsha through provision of quality roads, adequate security,
necessary town planning procedures, just as he commended the
Nigerian tourism development corporation for endorsing the festival
as a foremost festivals in the country.