From Adesuwa Tsan, Abuja
The Senate on Tuesday commended President Bola Tinubu for allocating $3 billion to the reconstruction of the long-abandoned Eastern Rail Line, describing the development as a major step toward correcting infrastructure imbalance and addressing regional concerns in the South-East and North-East.
The funds are part of the $21 billion external borrowing plan approved by the Senate to finance national development projects for the 2025–2026 budget cycle.
This was sequel to a motion moved by Victor Umeh who had been advocating for the inclusion of the Eastern Corridor, stretching from Port Harcourt to Maiduguri, in the federal infrastructure plan in plenary.
He expressed gratitude to the President for fulfilling a commitment made earlier in the year, saying, “This Eastern Rail Line that now has the prospect of being reconstructed will be a very good development, particularly in line with the sentiments of the people of the South-East zone.
“I want to thank Mr. President, who during his visit to the South-East in January, promised stakeholders that he would address it. Now, with $3 billion allocated in the approved loan, that promise is on the path to fulfilment.”
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, thanked Umeh for his bipartisan approach, while using the opportunity to criticise partisan divisions. “I appreciate you. Sometimes I see you at ADC meetings, but you appreciate the work of President Tinubu. This shows Nigeria is maturing politically. Good governance must not have party boundaries,” he said.
Also at plenary, Abdul Ningi, chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports, moved a motion commending the Super Falcons for their semifinal win over South Africa’s Banyana Banyana in the ongoing African Women’s Championship. Ningi described the victory as a “sweetener” at a time of national mourning following the recent deaths of former military Head of State General Muhammadu Buhari, businessman Alhassan Dantata, and Oba Adetona.
He praised the Tinubu administration for supporting the team and called for national prayers as they aim to clinch a record 10th continental title.
Akpabio, in response, celebrated the “golden goal from outside the 18” and jokingly said it appeared to have been “guided by angels.” He added that even the South African team was “confused” and pledged to recommend Ningi as head of Nigeria’s delegation to the finals in Morocco, pending presidential approval.
