The Station Manager of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) in Umuahia, Mr. Joseph Odoh, has insisted that the railway tracks in the area remain intact and protected from vandals, despite growing public criticism over the state of infrastructure.
Responding to a national survey on railway conditions, Odoh maintained that the corporation’s facilities were secure. He credited the combined efforts of in-house security personnel and external agencies for safeguarding the tracks.
“Our security operatives, in collaboration with external forces, are actively ensuring surveillance along the corridor. Our staff are also vigilant and report any suspicious activity,” he said.
However, Odoh admitted that streetlights at the Umuahia station had stopped functioning. He dismissed claims that the line had been abandoned, explaining that it was undergoing revitalisation as part of a broader effort by the Federal Government.
“The Federal Government, through our Managing Director, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, is working tirelessly to restore the Eastern railway axis. The outdated tracks are being replaced with a more modern narrow gauge,” he explained.
He added that the Port Harcourt-Aba axis had already been revamped and expressed hope that the work would soon extend to Umuahia and beyond, potentially linking the Eastern region to the North.
But not everyone shares Odoh’s optimism.
Mr. Festus Okeke, the NRC Ticket Master, appealed to the government to speed up work on the gauge upgrade to ease transportation burdens in the region.
“We need a standard gauge like the Lagos-Ibadan axis. If that’s not possible, at least let them fix the narrow gauge. Many workers are coming to work daily with nothing to do. A functional train would really help, especially with the cost of transport,” Okeke said.
Business owners are also speaking out.
Mr. Chima Udechukwu, a trader in foodstuffs, described the rail corridor as an eyesore and lamented its transformation into a refuse dump.
“It’s heartbreaking to see what has become of this place. In the ’90s, I used the train regularly to transport rice and garri from Enugu to Umuahia. Now, bushes and hoodlums have taken over. The collapse of the railway has driven up transport costs and, by extension, the price of goods,” he said.
An eye witness confirmed that much of the track is overgrown or encroached upon by traders and farmers. In several areas, it has become a dumpsite.
Despite the NRC’s assurances of security and future upgrades, critics say what’s needed now is urgent, visible action not just promises.
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