January 05, (THEWILL) – President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to addressing the infrastructure deficit in the South-East, promising to complete critical projects, including the Eastern Rail Line and the development of the Anambra Basin.
Speaking during an interactive session with South-East leaders in Enugu on Saturday, Tinubu assured the audience of his determination to bridge developmental gaps in the region.
He pledged that the Eastern Rail Line, which connects Port Harcourt to Maiduguri, would be completed, while the energy-rich Anambra Basin would be developed to harness its vast resources.
“The Anambra Basin holds immense potential, with an estimated 1 billion barrels of oil and 30 billion cubic feet of gas. We are committed to supporting its development for the benefit of the region and the country,” Tinubu said.
The President responded to calls from South-East stakeholders, including former Minister of Power, Chinedu Nebo, and Chris Ugoh, reiterating his administration’s resolve to tackle inherited challenges.
“Completion of the Eastern Rail Line is a work in progress. I inherited these critical issues and will address them decisively,” Tinubu said.
On gas infrastructure, he added, “Gas is a viable alternative to petrol. We cannot afford to waste time. Together with the support of capable governors, we will invest in this resource.”
Earlier in the day, Tinubu inaugurated several state projects executed under Governor Peter Mbah, including the GTC Smart Green School, New Haven/Bisalla Road, the International Conference Center, the Command-and-Control Center, and 150 patrol vehicles equipped with surveillance cameras. He also virtually commissioned other projects from the Enugu State Government House.
At the inauguration of the Command-and-Control Center, Tinubu stressed the importance of security investments in fostering development.
“This is a profound demonstration of what we can achieve together. With leaders like Governor Mbah, who is steering Enugu on the path of 21st-century development, I am confident in the future of our nation,” he said.
The President commended Mbah’s leadership, describing him as a “friend and visionary leader” whose private sector experience has translated into impactful governance.
Tinubu used the occasion to advocate for unity and collaboration across party lines, emphasizing the need for Nigerians to work collectively for national development.
“We are all members of one large family called Nigeria. Our diversity is our strength. We must build this house together to meet both immediate and future needs,” he said.
Governor Peter Mbah lauded the President’s federalist ideals and reforms, particularly the Electricity Act Amendment, which has liberalized the power sector.
He highlighted Enugu’s strides in security, education, and healthcare as part of a vision to grow the state’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion within four years.
“We have taken bold steps to ensure public safety, including ending the illegal sit-at-home order. Enugu now works every day, with no orders from non-state actors. Our infrastructural and social developments are direct results of your administration’s courageous economic reforms,” Mbah said.
The governor also noted the state’s achievements in digital and physical infrastructure, from modern schools to upgraded healthcare facilities, made possible by funds freed from the removal of fuel subsidies and other federal initiatives.
Chinedu Nebo urged Tinubu to prioritise the completion of the Eastern Rail Line, describing it as a catalyst for Nigeria’s non-oil exports and economic diversification.
Chris Ugoh called for the rapid development of the Anambra Basin, emphasizing its potential to power industrial growth across regions.
Onyemauche Nnamani, the South-East representative in the Police Service Commission, appealed for modern security strategies, including statewide CCTV systems and fewer roadblocks, which he described as inefficient and risky for security personnel.
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