The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, stated that the proposed eastern rail is projected to unlock over N50 billion in trade volume in the southeast region.
The proposed railway project would link the Onitsha and Aba commercial hubs to markets in the Northern region, facilitating billions in trade volume and stimulating the local economies of both areas.
In a statement to the parliamentary correspondent, Kalu thanked President Tinubu for allocating $3 billion to complete the eastern railway project. The allocation followed the approval of the President’s request to fund the project during a plenary session by the House of Representatives.
The project is a key component of Tinubu’s administration agenda, which aims to improve the lives of Nigerians in the Southeast region through key infrastructural projects. The railway project is projected to open up the southeast region to massive trade with other areas of Nigeria, adding to the growth of the Nigerian Economy.
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Kalu assured the President of loyalty and appreciation from Ndigbo following his gestures and progressive agenda for the region since coming to power.
” I commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his visionary leadership and commitment to the development of the South East region.
He has once again demonstrated his love for the people of the South East by taking this bold step to complete the Eastern Rail Line, which is expected to boost Nigeria’s non-oil exports and overall economic growth.
The rail line is projected to unlock about ₦50 billion in annual trade, linking the Aba and Onitsha hubs to markets in the northern region.
We cannot overstate our immense gratitude to the President for this initiative to enhance infrastructure in the Southeast. Kalu Said.
Hon Benjamin Kalu earlier sponsored the Southeast Development Commission (SEDC) bill, which was signed into law in 2024. The Bill hopes to address regional disparities and dampen cries of marginalization in the southeast region.
The Deputy Speaker also chairs the Constitution Review Committee, which promotes inclusive governance, and His Peace in the South East Project (PISE) tackles insecurity in the South East zone.
The SEDC bill has been lauded as a massive shift in federal governance of the south east region since the end of the civil war in 1970.
