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 linking Okpara Square and Akanu Ibiam Street, popularly known as Goodshed, to Bende Road in Umuahia.
The agreement was signed on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at the Governor’s Office in Umuahia as part of efforts to improve connectivity, ease traffic congestion and transform the state capital.
Speaking at the event, Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, said the proposed road forms part of his administration’s comprehensive plan to give Umuahia a facelift and develop an integrated transportation hub around the railway station and bus terminal.
Governor Otti explained that the integration of the railway station with the bus terminal would create a major transportation hub capable of improving movement within the state and beyond.
He directed the Commissioner for Transport, Dr. 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.
The governor also urged the NRC Managing Director, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, to consider increasing the number of trains operating between Port Harcourt and Aba, noting that improved rail services would complement the state’s expanding road and bus transportation network.
Otti disclosed that 40 new electric buses had already arrived in Abia, with an additional 30 expected, adding that the buses would help provide transportation coverage across the state.
He further revealed plans to collaborate with other Southeast governors on the development of an integrated regional rail network, with support from the Nigerian Railway Corporation.
The governor also addressed the relocation of the existing police station located within the railway corridor. He directed the UCDA General Manager to move the station temporarily within the facility and develop the architectural design for a new railway station incorporating a police station.
In his remarks, NRC Managing Director, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, said the corporation approved the MoU after the Abia State Government fulfilled the necessary conditions required for the construction of the access road through the railway corridor.
Opeifa said the project would link Okpara Square through Goodshed and Akanu Ibiam Road to Bende Road, thereby improving connectivity and easing traffic within Umuahia.
He commended the Abia State Government for following due process and described the administration as responsive and responsible. The NRC boss also praised Governor Otti’s leadership and commitment to infrastructure development, describing the recently completed Nnenna Oti Bus Terminal as a top-class project.
Opeifa expressed confidence that the partnership between the NRC and Abia State Government would strengthen infrastructure, improve mobility and contribute to economic growth in the state.
The meeting was attended by the Commissioners for Transport and Works, Dr. Chimezie Ukaegbu and Engr. Otumchere Oti; UCDA General Manager, Hon. Kingsley Agomuo; and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transport, Dr. Obioma Nwaogbe.
