Tinubu Visits South East, Plans Eastern Rail, Anambra Basin
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to addressing critical infrastructure and energy needs in Eastern Nigeria. During an interactive session with South East leaders in Enugu, the President assured stakeholders of plans to complete the Eastern Rail Line, linking Port Harcourt to Maiduguri, and to support the development of the Anambra Basin as a major energy reserve.
In his remarks, President Tinubu emphasized the importance of these projects to regional and national development. “It is a work in progress,” he said. “I inherited some of these critical problems and am committed to solving them.”
The Anambra Basin, estimated to contain up to 1 billion barrels of oil and 30 billion cubic feet of gas, holds significant potential for Nigeria’s energy sector. South East leaders, including Professor Chinedu Nebo and Chris Ugoh, highlighted its importance for power generation and industrial development. They urged the federal government to prioritize its exploitation.
Professor Nebo also commended the administration for completing the Port Harcourt-Aba section of the Eastern Rail Line and called for the swift completion of the remaining sections to bolster non-oil exports and economic growth.
Onyemauche Nnamani, a National Commissioner in the Police Service Commission, advocated for modern security solutions, such as Enugu’s state-wide CCTV system and surveillance-equipped patrol vehicles. He discouraged the use of checkpoints, which he described as inefficient and dangerous.
President Tinubu endorsed these recommendations, emphasizing the role of security in fostering economic development. “Investment in security brings rapid progress,” he stated during the inauguration of the Command-and-Control Center in Enugu.
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State received praise from the President for his progressive development philosophy. Highlighting projects such as the GTC Smart Green School and state-of-the-art infrastructure, the Governor outlined his administration’s goal to grow Enugu’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion within four years.
Governor Mbah also credited Tinubu’s policies, including the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of foreign exchange rates, for freeing funds that have enabled such ambitious projects.
President Tinubu’s visit underscored his vision of national unity. “We are all members of one family called Nigeria, living in different rooms of the same house,” he said, encouraging collaboration to build a stronger future.
The President’s assurances and the inauguration of key projects signal a renewed focus on integrating Eastern Nigeria into the nation’s growth trajectory. As Tinubu continues to bridge gaps in infrastructure, energy, and security, stakeholders remain optimistic about the region’s future.
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