The Abia State Government has signed an agreement with the Nigerian Railway Corporation to support a new access road project in Umuahia.

The road will connect Okpara Square and Akanu Ibiam Street, known as Goodshed, with Bende Road. The project aims to improve road access and ease traffic in parts of the state capital.

The government and the NRC signed the Memorandum of Understanding on Wednesday, August 26, at the Governor’s Office.

Otti Targets Better Connectivity

Abia State Governor Alex Otti said the project forms part of efforts to improve Umuahia’s urban infrastructure.

According to Otti, the new road will improve movement across the city. It will also help address traffic problems around the area.

The governor added that the project will support plans to give Umuahia a facelift.

The proposed road also forms part of a wider transport plan for the state capital. The government plans to integrate the railway station and bus terminal into a transportation hub.

Government Sets Up Implementation Team

To speed up the project, Otti directed key officials to work together on its delivery.

He instructed the Commissioners for Transport and Works to coordinate with the General Manager of the Umuahia Capital Development Authority.

Other relevant government officials will also take part in the implementation process.

The governor wants the agencies to ensure that the project progresses without unnecessary delays.

Road to Support Transport Hub

The planned access road will create a link between important routes in Umuahia. As a result, it could provide another option for motorists travelling through the area.

The project also connects with the state government’s plan to bring road and rail transport closer together.

A combined transport hub could make transfers between different transport services easier. It could also improve access to the railway station and bus terminal.

For the city, better transport links can support movement between residential, commercial and public areas.

Infrastructure and Urban Development

Road projects can influence how cities grow and how people move between different parts of an urban area.

In Umuahia, the proposed link is expected to improve access around Okpara Square, Goodshed and Bende Road.

The agreement with the NRC also provides a framework for the state to work around the railway corridor while developing the road.

However, the immediate priority remains implementation. Government officials will now need to coordinate the road project and the planned transport hub.

The Abia Government says the initiative forms part of its broader effort to improve infrastructure and mobility in Umuahia.

If delivered as planned, the project could provide a new road connection while supporting the state’s longer-term plans for an integrated transport system.

The post Abia, NRC Sign MoU for Access Road Across Umuahia Railway Corridor appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Federal Government and the Abia State Government have entered into a joint partnership to develop a new housing estate in Umuahia, aimed at expanding access to affordable housing and improving urban infrastructure.

The clarification was made by the state’s Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, following a State Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Alex Otti.

Project Not Solely Federal Initiative

Kanu explained that the proposed estate, under the Federal Housing Authority, is not exclusively a federal project but a collaborative effort between both tiers of government.

He noted that the state government provided the land, reinforcing its active role in the development.

“The project is designed to expand access to affordable housing, promote urban development, and support sustainable community growth,” he said.

Concerns Over Farmland Addressed

The government also responded to concerns that the estate would be built on rice farmland, potentially affecting food production.

According to Kanu, the project aligns with a balanced development strategy that considers both housing needs and agricultural sustainability.

“We need food, but we also need affordable housing for residents,” he stated.

Government Dismisses Criticism

Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, dismissed criticisms of the project as politically motivated.

He emphasised that the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to improving living standards and infrastructure across the state.

Urban Transport Reforms Underway

Beyond the housing initiative, the state government outlined broader urban development plans in Umuahia.

These include relocating commercial transport operators from Okigwe Park to a new ultra-modern bus terminal nearing completion.

Traders around Isi Gate will also be temporarily moved to Okigwe Park pending the completion of Afara Market.

Rail Development in Discussion

The state is also in talks with the Nigerian Railway Corporation to establish a new train station near the proposed bus terminal, alongside the development of an urban rail corridor.

Officials say these projects form part of a comprehensive strategy to modernise infrastructure, boost economic activity, and improve quality of life for residents.

The post FG, Abia Partner on Housing Estate Project in Umuahia appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Several passengers sustained injuries on Monday morning after a train operating on the experienced an operational incident during its journey.

Passengers onboard said they heard a loud bang before the train suddenly jolted, throwing some people off their seats and causing panic among those on board.

The (NRC) confirmed the occurrence, stating that it happened around 10:30 a.m. near Asham along the rail line.

Coupling fault triggered incident

According to the Managing Director of the corporation, , preliminary findings indicated that the incident was linked to a mechanical issue involving the coupling system connecting the locomotive to the train.

He explained that the rear locomotive made contact with the passenger coach behind it after a problem developed with the coupling mechanism.

The NRC said some passengers sustained injuries during the incident and were immediately attended to before being transported to nearby medical facilities for treatment.

Authorities, however, confirmed that no deaths were recorded.

Emergency response activated

Following the incident, emergency response protocols were immediately activated while technical teams were dispatched to the scene to manage the situation and assist passengers.

The rail corporation reassured the public that safety remains its top priority and that necessary steps are being taken to prevent a recurrence.

Safety bureau begins investigation

Meanwhile, the (NSIB) has commenced a detailed investigation into the incident.

In a preliminary report issued by the bureau’s Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, , the train—identified as KA2—departed from in for its scheduled trip to in .

The train arrived at Jere Station at about 8:52 a.m. before continuing its journey at 8:59 a.m. after a rear locomotive was attached for additional operational support.

Shortly after departure, the rear locomotive reportedly detached while the train was moving along a downward section toward Asham.

Officials said the detached locomotive rolled forward and collided with the rear section of the train, resulting in what investigators described as a serious operational occurrence.

Over 400 passengers onboard

Authorities disclosed that the train was carrying 429 passengers, along with 46 crew members and 24 security personnel at the time of the incident.

Despite the injuries recorded, officials confirmed that all passengers survived the incident.

Investigators from the NSIB are currently examining technical and operational factors surrounding the event as authorities work to ensure improved safety across Nigeria’s railway system.

The post Abuja–Kaduna Train Incident Leaves Passengers Injured as NRC, NSIB Launch Investigation appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The (NRC) has dismissed reports that a passenger train operating on the derailed on Monday, clarifying that the train remained on track throughout the incident.

The occurrence reportedly took place along the Asham axis of the rail corridor, sparking initial reports that a derailment had occurred.

However, the corporation explained that a derailment happens only when the wheels of a train leave the track, which was not the case in this situation.

According to the NRC, the train successfully continued its journey and later arrived safely at in , where passengers disembarked.

Incident linked to detached locomotive

The (NSIB) has since launched an investigation into the incident involving the passenger train identified as KA2.

In a statement by the bureau’s Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, , the event occurred at about 09:16 a.m. along the Jere–Asham section near Asham Station in .

The train had departed from in Kaduna for its scheduled journey to Abuja.

It arrived at Jere Station at about 08:52 a.m., where a rear locomotive was attached to provide additional support for the remainder of the journey.

Shortly after leaving the station, the rear locomotive reportedly became detached while the train was moving along a downward section of the track.

The detached locomotive rolled forward and collided with the rear part of the train, resulting in what authorities described as a serious operational occurrence.

Safety bureau begins investigation

The Director-General of the , , said the bureau had begun gathering evidence to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the incident.

According to him, investigators will examine technical, operational and infrastructure-related factors, including train configuration, locomotive attachment systems and operational procedures.

He also expressed concern for passengers who sustained injuries during the incident and praised the swift response of NRC personnel and emergency teams.

The bureau stated that it would continue working closely with the Nigerian Railway Corporation and other relevant agencies as the investigation progresses.

The post NRC Denies Abuja–Kaduna Train Derailment as Safety Bureau Launches Investigation appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Anxiety has spread across the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) following a strong directive from its Managing Director, Dr Kayode Opeifa, warning against the unauthorised sale, lease, or allocation of railway landed properties across the country.

In an internal circular dated December 18, 2025, the NRC management revealed that it had uncovered alleged illegal dealings involving some officers who transacted railway assets without proper authorisation.

The memo, referenced MDL.360/25/T/VOL.1-062 and obtained by The PUNCH, was addressed to Railway District Managers in Ebute Metta, Ibadan, and five other districts. Copies were also sent to key departments, including Legal, Procurement, Commercial, Finance, Human Resources, Engineering, and Operations.

According to the directive, some officers were allegedly involved in leasing or allocating NRC landed assets without the required documentation or approval from the Office of the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer.

The development follows allegations made about nine months ago by the Nigerian Union of Railway Workers and the Senior Staff Association of Communications Transport Cooperation, which accused NRC Properties Limited of unlawfully selling and converting railway assets in several states, particularly in northern Nigeria.

While the unions claimed that numerous railway properties were improperly converted over a 17-year period, the property management firm maintained that all transactions followed due process. The workers subsequently petitioned the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Federal Ministry of Justice, and the Kano State Government, demanding a thorough investigation.

In the latest memo, Opeifa stressed that approval for the sale, lease, or clearance of any NRC land rests solely with the Managing Director.

He warned that no Railway District Manager or officer is permitted to engage in any transaction involving NRC properties without explicit written approval from the Managing Director of the NRC to the Managing Director of the Railway Property Management Company Limited.

The NRC boss cautioned that any officer found culpable would face severe disciplinary action in line with the corporation’s internal rules and the Public Service Regulations.

“You are therefore strongly warned and advised to desist forthwith from any unauthorised dealings in NRC landed properties and to strictly adhere to this directive,” the circular stated.

Efforts to obtain comments from the NRC spokesperson, Callistus Unyimadu, were unsuccessful as calls and messages went unanswered.

However, two NRC staff members, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of sanctions, disclosed that the directive had triggered panic among some senior officers allegedly involved in questionable dealings, with several attempting to regularise or reverse arrangements made with illegal occupants of railway properties.

The development signals a renewed push by the NRC leadership to protect public assets and restore transparency in the management of railway properties nationwide.

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