NEWS
“By the Time We Integrate the Mega Station Into the Terminal, It Will Become a Transportation Hub” — Gov. Alex Otti Says, as Abia, NRC Seal MoU for New Access Road, Transportation Hub in Umuahia
The Abia State Government has taken another major step towards transforming the transportation landscape of Umuahia following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), with the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) for the construction of a strategic access road across the railway corridor in the State capital.
The agreement, signed on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at the Governor’s Office, will enable the Abia State Government to construct an access road linking Okpara Square and Akanu Ibiam Street, also known as Goodshed, to Bende Road.
The project is expected to significantly improve connectivity, ease traffic congestion and support the broader urban renewal vision of the Alex Otti administration for Umuahia.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Governor Alex Otti said the proposed access road forms part of a comprehensive plan to give the State capital a facelift while addressing growing traffic challenges around the railway corridor.
The Governor explained that the project would also complement the administration’s larger vision of developing an integrated transportation system in Umuahia, with the railway station, bus terminal and other transportation facilities operating as part of a major mobility hub.
“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 and commence,” Governor Otti stated.
Governor Otti immediately directed the Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Chimezie Isaac Ukaegbu; the Commissioner for Works, Engr. Otumchere Oti; the General Manager of the Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA) Hon. Kingsley Agomuo, and other relevant officials to work closely together to ensure the speedy delivery of the project.
The Governor also used the opportunity to call on the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation to explore the possibility of increasing the number of trains operating on the Port Harcourt-Aba route.
He noted that the State Government is already making significant investments in public transportation, particularly with the expansion of its electric bus fleet, and stressed the importance of integrating road, rail and other transportation systems.
“See how we can do that.
“For us here, I’m sure you may have seen in the news that the new electric buses have come in, increasing the number to 40. Another 30 is on the way.
“So, that will be the bus covering the entire State.
“So, if we have the railway, including the other one I mentioned to you that I’m thinking about, and we are working with brother Governors in the Southeast to also integrate all our States on a rail network that will not belong to NRC, but will be supported hugely by NRC.
“That’s the way it works, everywhere in the world,” he stated.
Governor Otti further assured that the Abia State Government would continue to support the Federal Government and maintain a strong partnership with relevant federal agencies to ensure that the State continues to benefit from developmental opportunities.
On the existing Police Station located within the railway corridor in Umuahia, the Governor acknowledged the need for its proper relocation to create room for the planned development.
He directed the General Manager of UCDA to facilitate the relocation of the Police Station to a temporary location within the facility and also prepare the architectural design for a new Railway Station that would incorporate a Police Station. The design, he said, should subsequently be shared with the Nigerian Railway Corporation.
The Governor thanked the Managing Director of the NRC for recognising Abia as an example to other States and also commended him for appointing Mr. Francis Ejike from Enugu State as the Regional Head of the Nigerian Railway Corporation in the South East.
Governor Otti urged Mr. Ejike to sustain the high standard of performance that has earned him recognition from the leadership of the Corporation.
“I want to thank you. And I want to congratulate Ejike for doing his job well and getting to the level very quickly where the MD can say, once Ejike is there, the is problem solved,” the Governor said.
Earlier, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, said the decision to execute the MoU was aimed at facilitating the construction of the access road through the railway corridor in Umuahia.
He explained that the agreement would officially enable the Abia State Government to develop the road linking Okpara Square through Goodshed and Akanu Ibiam Road to Bende Road, a project designed to improve connectivity and reduce traffic pressure within the State capital.
According to Dr. Opeifa, the State Government approached the Corporation for approval as part of its broader vision to transform the transportation sector and improve mobility across Abia.
He said the request was eventually approved after the Abia State Government met all the conditions laid down by the Nigerian Railway Corporation for the execution of such a project.
The NRC Managing Director described the Abia State Government as responsive and responsible, noting that the administration’s commitment to due process played a major role in the Corporation’s decision to enter into the agreement.
He also praised Governor Otti’s leadership and commitment to transformative governance, revealing that he frequently cites the Abia Governor as an example in various engagements.
Dr. Opeifa particularly commended Governor Otti’s approach to collaboration and partnership, irrespective of political differences, as well as the administration’s massive investment in infrastructure across the State.
He highlighted the recently completed Nnenna Oti Bus Terminal as one of the outstanding projects of the administration, describing it as a top-notch facility that demonstrates the government’s commitment to improving transportation, mobility and the overall commuting experience in Abia.
The NRC boss also requested the relocation of the existing Police Station within the railway corridor to a more suitable location and asked that the architectural design for the proposed new Railway Station be shared with the Corporation.
He expressed confidence that the new partnership between the Abia State Government and the Nigerian Railway Corporation would open a new chapter in infrastructure development, improve mobility, strengthen connectivity and contribute to economic growth in the State.
The signing of the MoU marks another important milestone in the Otti administration’s ongoing efforts to redesign Umuahia into a modern and better-connected capital city, with an integrated transportation system expected to bring road and rail services closer together for the benefit of residents and visitors.
The Governor was joined at the meeting by the Honourable Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Chimezie Isaac Ukaegbu; the Honourable Commissioner for Works, Engr. Otumchere Oti; the General Manager of the Umuahia Capital Development Authority, Hon. Kingsley Agomuo; a
nd the Senior Special Assistant on Transport, Dr. Obioma Nwaogbe.