President Bola Tinubu has pledged to accelerate the development of the energy-rich Anambra Basin and complete the Eastern Railway project connecting Port Harcourt to Maiduguri. The commitment was made during an official visit to Enugu State, where the President held an interactive session with South East leaders.
The Anambra Basin, which holds an estimated 1 billion barrels of oil and 30 billion cubic feet of natural gas, is seen as a significant energy resource for Nigeria. During the session, President Tinubu assured local stakeholders, including former Minister of Power, Chinedu Nebo, and Enugu State indigene Chris Ugoh, that his administration would prioritize the basin’s development. He emphasized the importance of investing in gas infrastructure as a strategic alternative to petrol.
On the Eastern Railway project, the President acknowledged the complexities of completing the line but reiterated that it remains a key objective of his government. He assured that efforts to resolve infrastructural challenges would continue, describing the railway as critical to the region’s economic growth.
As part of his visit, President Tinubu inaugurated several projects initiated by the Enugu State government, including the GTC Smart Green School, the New Haven/Bisalla Road, the International Conference Center, and the Command-and-Control Center. Additionally, the President virtually commissioned other major state projects. He underscored the role of security infrastructure in fostering sustainable development and praised Governor Peter Mbah for his forward-thinking leadership in driving the state’s progress.
Governor Mbah, who outlined his vision to grow Enugu’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion within the next four years, expressed gratitude for the federal government’s support. He highlighted key achievements, including the liberalization of the electricity sector and the creation of the South East Development Commission, which aims to address regional infrastructure and ecological challenges.
The Governor also emphasized the importance of public safety reforms in the state, particularly the successful termination of the illegal sit-at-home order imposed by criminal groups. He attributed the state’s recent infrastructural progress to the federal government’s bold economic reforms, such as the fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange unification.
Looking ahead, the President’s focus on the Anambra Basin’s energy potential and the completion of the Eastern Railway is expected to significantly contribute to the economic revitalization of the South East and other connected regions, creating opportunities for sustainable growth and development.
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