The Enugu State Authorities has allotted N10 billion as its fairness contribution to the primary section of the deliberate 135.5-kilometre standard-gauge rail venture within the N1.62 trillion 2026 price range.
The disclosure was made in a press release issued by the Senior Particular Assistant on Media to Governor Peter Mbah, Dan Nwomeh, through his official X account on Thursday.
In line with the assertion, the allocation is linked to the primary section of the rail line, which is a part of the federal government’s plan to set up a multimodal transport system designed to enhance motion inside Enugu and supply connections to neighbouring South-East states.
The 135.5km rail line is predicted to enhance different transport modes, together with tram, street, and inland waterways, enhancing mobility and supporting financial exercise throughout the state.
“The Enugu State Authorities says it has earmarked the sum of N10 billion within the 2026 price range because the state’s fairness contribution to the primary section of the 135.5km customary gauge rail it plans to construct within the state,” the assertion learn partly.
It added, “The rail venture can be designed to terminate at doorsteps of the neighbouring states for straightforward continuation to reinforce connectivity, particularly among the many South East States.”
The assertion additional famous that the venture was a part of the broader infrastructure priorities embedded within the state’s 2026 price range, which Governor Mbah offered earlier in December.
Extra insights
The Enugu State Authorities’s 2026 price range additionally units apart N10 billion for a state taxi procurement and meeting programme, supporting the youth empowerment scheme and the Misery Response Squad (DRS).
- The initiative will see 2,100 automobiles procured and assembled regionally, enhancing industrial capability and creating employment alternatives.
The price range additionally consists of N10 billion for the Akanu Ibiam Worldwide Airport concession, whereas the state’s airline, Enugu Air, which started operations in July 2025 with three plane, is predicted to broaden to 6 planes by the top of the 12 months and ultimately attain a fleet of 20.
What it is best to know
Months earlier, in April 2025, the Enugu State Authorities first introduced plans for the 135.5-kilometre standard-gauge rail line. The Enugu State Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Obi Ozor, shared throughout an interview on the Enugu Kwenu Programme aired on Afia TV that the line was anticipated to hyperlink key South-East cities to Onne Port in Rivers State.
- On the time, he famous {that a} feasibility research for the Enugu rail community and South-East hall had been accomplished. Ozor added that the federal government was collaborating with the Nigerian Railway Company (NRC) and Chinese language firms on rail infrastructure, whereas partaking traders for financing.
- The NRC, in its wider efforts to broaden Nigeria’s rail community, has a number of plans to revive long-abandoned railway infrastructure and work with state governments to set up native rail traces, much like Lagos State’s Crimson and Blue Traces initiatives.
Consultants within the discipline, nevertheless, have raised questions concerning the deliberate venture primarily based on the main points offered by Ozor.
- The shortest street distance between Enugu and Onne Port is roughly 232km, however the proposed standard-gauge rail line is quoted as 135.5km, making it unclear how the road might join the 2 places.
- Underneath the present Nigerian authorized framework, a state-owned entity can not assemble a railway in one other state, elevating questions on how Enugu might develop a line passing by a number of different states with out their involvement.
- As well as, the proposed extensions to Onitsha and Ebonyi add roughly 185km, bringing the overall to round 417km, excess of the 135.5km talked about by the Commissioner.