The Abia State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to facilitate the construction of an access road across the railway corridor in Umuahia.

The agreement, signed on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at the Governor’s Office, will pave the way for the construction of a road linking Okpara Square and Akanu Ibiam Street (Goodshed) to Bende Road, with the aim of improving connectivity and easing traffic within the state capital.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, Governor Alex Otti said the project was part of his administration’s broader plan to transform Umuahia and address traffic challenges along the corridor.

Otti explained that the access road would complement the development of a transportation hub around the railway station, bus terminal and other related facilities.

“And that’s why it is important that we have this. Because there are a lot of things, like I told you (MD), the last time, what we have in mind.

“And by the time we integrate the mega station into the terminal, it will become a transportation hub.

“So, with the railway station, with the bus terminal, and of course, every other thing that goes with it to be in the same place. And it will look nice. So, now that we have this done, we can go ahead,” the Governor said.

The Governor directed the Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Isaac 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.

Otti also appealed to the NRC Managing Director to consider increasing the number of trains operating between Port Harcourt and Aba, stressing the importance of an efficient rail network to the state’s transportation system.

He said the state government was also expanding its road and public transportation infrastructure, noting that the number of electric buses in the state had increased to 40, with an additional 30 expected.

The Governor disclosed that Abia was also working with other governors in the Southeast on plans to integrate the region through a rail network, with support from the Nigerian Railway Corporation.

He said such collaboration would enhance transportation connectivity across the region and promote economic development.

On the railway corridor, Governor Otti addressed the issue of the existing police station located within the facility. He directed the UCDA General Manager to relocate the station temporarily to another space within the facility and develop the design for a new railway station incorporating a police station.

The Governor directed that the proposed design be shared with the Nigerian Railway Corporation for consideration.

Otti also commended the NRC Managing Director, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, for his support for Abia State, as well as the Regional Head of the Nigeria Railway in the Southeast, Mr. Francis Ejike, whom he praised for his performance.

Earlier, Opeifa said the MoU was executed to enable the Abia State Government to construct the access road through the railway corridor in Umuahia.

He explained that the proposed road would connect Okpara Square through Goodshed and Akanu Ibiam Road to Bende Road, thereby improving movement and reducing traffic pressure within the state capital.

According to him, the Abia State Government sought the Corporation’s approval as part of its broader vision for transforming the state’s transportation sector, adding that the request was granted after the state fulfilled all conditions required by the NRC.

Opeifa described the Abia government as responsive and responsible, saying its commitment to due process influenced the Corporation’s decision to enter into the agreement.

He commended Governor Otti’s leadership and his commitment to collaboration and partnership beyond political affiliations, describing the Governor as a model of transformative governance.

The NRC Managing Director also praised the administration’s infrastructure projects across the state, particularly the recently completed Nnenna Oti Bus Terminal, which he described as a top-notch project demonstrating the government’s commitment to improving transportation and mobility.

Opeifa reiterated the need for the existing police station within the railway corridor to be relocated to a more suitable location and requested that the architectural design for the proposed new railway station be forwarded to the Corporation.

He expressed confidence that the partnership between the Abia State Government and the NRC would strengthen infrastructure, improve mobility and contribute to economic growth in the state.

Those who accompanied Governor Otti to the meeting included the Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Chimezie Ukaegbu; Commissioner for Works, Engr. Otumchere Oti; General Manager, UCDA, Hon. Kingsley Agomuo; and Senior Special Assistant on Transport, Dr. Obioma Nwaogbe.