President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his commitment to completing the Eastern Rail Line, connecting Port Harcourt to Maiduguri. He also vowed to support the development of the Anambra Basin, a significant energy reserve with an estimated one billion barrels of oil and 30 billion cubic feet of gas.
The President made these pledges during an interactive session with South East leaders in Enugu on Saturday, January 4, 2025. He was visiting on the invitation of Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State to commission several projects.
South East leaders made several appeals to the President, including dismantling checkpoints and roadblocks, saying they make goods expensive and constitute a security risk. Onyemuche Nnamani, who spoke on behalf of the region, noted that checkpoints have many drawbacks, including increased costs, inefficiency, and exposure of security personnel to attacks.
Another speaker, Chris Ngu, called for the development of the Anambra Basin Authority to unlock its oil and gas reserves, which could impact the entire Southeast and beyond.
Former Minister of Power, Professor Chinedu Nebo, appealed to the President to prioritize the completion of the remaining portions of the rail link, emphasizing its potential to boost Nigeria’s non-oil exports and economic growth.
Mbah Thanks Tinubu
Governor Mbah in his remark described President Tinubu as a true federalist, commending his administration for establishing the South East Development Commission and liberalizing the electricity sector.
“All these infrastructural developments are mainly possible because of your bold initiatives.
“The courageous pronouncements you made to free up funds for development: the removal of fuel subsidy, the unification of the foreign exchange, and several social interventions that your government continues to provide for the people of this country.
“We are now essentially, with those funds freed, able to fully complete these projects. And it’s not just physical infrastructure; social and digital infrastructure are going on,” Governor Mbah said.
The governor reiterated his vision to grow Enugu’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion within four years, aiming to position the state among Nigeria’s top three states in terms of GDP.
Tinubu Replies To SE Requests
President Tinubu replied that he was willing to work with the region to realize their dreams.
He praised Governor Peter Mbah’s development model and philosophy after inaugurating several projects, including the GTC Smart Green School, New Haven/Bisalla Road, and the International Conference Center. He pledged federal government support for Enugu and other states in their development efforts.
Mr. Tinubu also performed the virtual inauguration of other notable projects from the Enugu State Government House. At the inauguration of the Command-and-Control Center, he remarked that investment in security will bring rapid development.
“This is a profound demonstration of what we can do together. It reassures me that more revenue going to the sub-nationals and local government is not a waste. It is for development.
“We have committed leaders like Peter Mbah taking Enugu on the path of 21st-century development, taking Enugu to greater heights, and building our tomorrow today.
“I cannot forget the sight of those children I just met at the Smart Green School.
“I have seen the gadgets and vehicles with 21st-century technology. Yes, you are indeed working for today, tomorrow, and the future.
“My good friend Peter, we can go places together to build Nigeria and build the future.
“It is audacious to have this home filled with technology, and they are ready for use. To promote investment, I know you are a private sector person, and we must encourage more private sector people to come into politics.
“When you are sure of security and development and give value for money, investors will be your friend,” he said.
He commended Governor Mbah for demonstrating an irrevocable commitment to human development, saying, “I don’t care which party you come from; you are my friend.“
The president has since returned to Lagos after his Saturday’s working visit to Enugu. He was received at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila. He drove straight to his private residence at Bourdillon Drive, Ikoyi.
Comment, Like 👍, share this article, and Follow us on our social media handles.
WhatsApp Channel
Telegram Channel
