KEY POINTS

• The transport ministry denies diverting the $3 billion railway project to Gombe.
• No railway construction is ongoing in Gombe, clarifies the ministry.
• The project from Port Harcourt to Maiduguri faces funding constraints.

The Federal Ministry of Transportation has dismissed reports suggesting that Minister Sa’idu Alkali diverted a $3 billion railway project from Nigeria’s South-East region to his home state, Gombe, for political gains.

The allegation, published by an online platform, accused the minister of manipulating the ongoing railway project for personal interests.

However, the ministry, through a statement by its Director of Information, Janet McDickson, described the claims as “false, malicious, and misleading.”

“The attention of the management and staff of the Federal Ministry of Transportation has been drawn to a publication by Sahara Reporters alleging that the Transport Minister diverted a $3 billion railway project from the South-East to his home state, Gombe, for political gain,” the statement read.

“The management categorically stated that the report is false, misleading, and people should disregard it.”

According to Punch, McDickson further clarified that no railway construction is currently ongoing in Gombe. She demanded that the publication retract its report and issue an apology to the minister.

Clarification on the railway project’s progress

According to the ministry, they awarded the Port Harcourt-Maiduguri narrow gauge railway rehabilitation project to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) in November 2020.

They completed work on the Port Harcourt to Aba section, and train services are already operational along that corridor. Rehabilitation work from Aba to Enugu is still underway.

The ministry explained that the slow pace of work is due to funding constraints, and efforts are ongoing to secure the necessary resources to complete the project.

Providing further details, McDickson outlined that they are executing the project in phases. It covers segments from Port Harcourt to Aba, Aba to Kafanchan, Kafanchan to Kuru in Jos, and Kuru to Maiduguri.

She also clarified that in 2024, a reconnaissance survey took place along the entire railway line, including Gombe. Stakeholders from the Federal Ministry of Transportation, Nigerian Railway Corporation, contractors, and consultants participated.

However, no actual construction has started in Gombe.

Ministry reaffirms commitment to nationwide development

The statement emphasized the ministry’s dedication to serving all Nigerians and contributing to national growth. It also stated that Minister Alkali focuses on delivering democratic dividends across the country.

“We, therefore, urge Sahara Reporters to verify information before publication and desist from spreading falsehoods that mislead the public,” the statement urged.

McDickson further reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, emphasizing that the government is working diligently to expand the rail network and improve transportation nationwide.

“The Honourable Minister is focused on fulfilling the mandate of the ministry, ensuring that all Nigerians benefit from key developmental projects,” she stated.

As discussions around the project continue, the ministry has reiterated its commitment to transparency and ensuring equitable distribution of infrastructure development across the nation.

The controversy has sparked conversations about the importance of verifying facts before publication and maintaining accountability in national projects.