You will recall that the Nigerian Senate on July 21, 2016, passed the ‘Nigerian Railway Corporation Bill, 2015’ which I sponsored.

The new railway bill sponsored by me as the then-Senator representing Anambra South Senatorial zone focused on laying the groundwork for new agenda in rail transportation in Nigeria. These were, essentially meant to:

• Encourage and promote private sector, state and local government participation in the provision of railway infrastructure, operation and services

• The Bill sought to replace the 61-year-old obsolete Nigerian Railway Corporation Act, 1955.

• It desired to revitalize the Railway sector for optimal development and conform to modern trends and challenges.

• To promote and regulate the efficient and sustainable development and operation of the railway sector

• Facilitate the development of competitive markets for services in the railway sector

• Promote the provision of safe, reliable and efficient railway services

• Increase the network of railway services and accessibility to railway infrastructure nationwide

• Ensure the provision of a conducive environment for the protection of the rights and interests of operators, customers and other institutions operating in the Railway Sector.

The Port Harcourt-Maiduguri Railway project (Eastern Rail Line) which was awarded and flagged off on 9th March, 2021 will pass through the South East States of Ebonyi, Enugu, Abia, with Owerri added afterwards.

The Calabar-Lagos Railway project on the other hand connects Anambra State via Onitsha.

My core focus while in the Senate, has been on Institutional reforms and setting legal frameworks that helps engineer growth through various key Bills.

As governor of Anambra State, I will continue to engage all stakeholders in an effort for our state to benefit from the new National Rail Transport development plan.

Ndi Anambra, I will be a governor that won’t be shy before other competing interests in the country. I will protect your interests in the National discourse.

– Senator Andy Uba
September 14, 2021