President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his commitment to completing the Eastern Rail Line, which will connect Port Harcourt to Maiduguri.
The President made the pledge during an interactive session with South East leaders in Enugu on Saturday.
Additionally, Tinubu promised to support the development of the Anambra Basin, an area estimated to hold up to 1 billion barrels of oil and 30 billion cubic feet of gas, positioning it as a key energy reserve.
At the meeting, the President attentively listened to concerns raised by former Minister of Power, Professor Chinedu Nebo, and Enugu State indigene Chris Ugoh.
Both individuals sought assurances regarding critical projects in the region. Nebo, in particular, applauded the Tinubu administration for completing the Port Harcourt to Aba section of the Eastern rail line and called for the swift completion of the remaining portions, highlighting its potential to enhance Nigeria’s non-oil exports and drive economic growth.
Ugoh, for his part, emphasised the Anambra Basin’s role in supporting power generation and industrial development, urging the Federal Government to tap into this resource for the benefit of the southeast and beyond.
On security, Onyemauche Nnamani, National Commissioner for the South East in the Police Service Commission, advocated for modern security strategies in the region.
He pointed to Enugu State’s CCTV system and patrol cars equipped with surveillance cameras as a model, suggesting a shift away from ineffective roadblocks and checkpoints.
Responding to the requests, President Tinubu reassured the audience, saying, “It is a work in progress. I inherited some of these critical problems and am committed to solving them.
“He also addressed the need for greater investment in gas infrastructure as an alternative to petrol, stating, “We will do it together, and I am fortunate to have capable governors on my side.”
The President acknowledged the presence of several dignitaries, including governors, traditional rulers, and captains of industry, and praised former Senate President Ken Nnamani for his pivotal role in safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy against those who sought to undermine it with the Third Term project.
Earlier, President Tinubu lauded Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah for his development model after inaugurating several state projects, including the GTC Smart Green School, New Haven/Bisalla Road, International Conference Centre, and 150 patrol vehicles equipped with surveillance cameras.
The President also commissioned other notable projects virtually from the Enugu State Government House.
At the inauguration of the Command-and-Control Centre, President Tinubu emphasised that investments in security infrastructure are vital for rapid development.
He praised Governor Mbah’s leadership, saying, “You are taking Enugu to greater heights, and building our tomorrow today.”
The President further commended Mbah’s commitment to human development, stating, “It is not about party differences; we are all members of one Nigeria. We must build this house to satisfy our immediate and future needs.”
Mbah, in turn, lauded Tinubu for his federalist approach, pointing to initiatives like the South East Development Commission and the liberalisation of the electricity sector through the Electricity Act (Amendment).
He commended the President for being named ThisDay Man of the Year and emphasised the importance of these reforms in fostering regional development.
Mbah also outlined his ambitious vision for Enugu, aiming to grow the state’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion in the next four years.
He highlighted the importance of security, education, and healthcare in achieving this goal, noting that the state had successfully ended the illegal sit-at-home order imposed by non-state actors.
Mbah also credited the federal government’s policies, such as the removal of fuel subsidies and foreign exchange unification, with providing the financial foundation for the state’s ongoing infrastructural developments.
“The courageous pronouncements you made have freed up funds for development,” Mbah concluded. “With these funds, we are now able to complete these projects and invest in both physical and digital infrastructure.”
