The Abia State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, with the Nigerian Railway Corporation, NRC, for the construction of a new access road across the railway corridor in Umuahia.
The agreement, signed on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at the Governor’s Office, will facilitate the construction of a road linking Okpara Square and Akanu Ibiam Street, popularly known as Goodshed, to Bende Road.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Governor Alex Otti said the project formed part of his administration’s broader plan to transform Umuahia, improve connectivity and ease traffic congestion within the state capital.
Governor Otti explained that the access road would also support the development of an integrated transportation hub incorporating the railway station, bus terminal and other transport facilities.
He directed the Commissioners for Transport and Works, Dr. Chimezie Ukaegbu and Engr. Otumchere Oti, alongside the General Manager of the Umuahia Capital Development Authority, Hon. Kingsley Agomuo, and other relevant officials to work together to ensure the project is delivered promptly.
The governor also appealed to the NRC Managing Director, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, to consider increasing the number of trains operating on the Port Harcourt–Aba route.
Otti said the state was also exploring broader railway connectivity across the South-East in collaboration with other governors in the region and with support from the Nigerian Railway Corporation.
He further directed the relocation of the existing police station located within the railway corridor to a temporary site within the facility, while instructing the UCDA to develop a design for a new railway station that would incorporate a police station.
Earlier, the NRC Managing Director, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, said the Corporation approved the agreement after the Abia State Government fulfilled the necessary conditions for the construction of the access road.
Opeifa said the project would improve connectivity and ease traffic within Umuahia, describing the Abia Government as responsive and committed to due process.
He commended Governor Otti’s infrastructure drive and described the recently completed Nnenna Oti Bus Terminal as an example of the administration’s commitment to improving transportation and mobility in the state.
The NRC boss expressed confidence that the partnership would strengthen infrastructure, improve movement and contribute to economic development in Abia State.
