Senate Hails Tinubu for Allocating $3 Billion to Eastern Rail Line Reconstruction
The Senate has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for earmarking $3 billion for the reconstruction of the long-neglected Eastern Rail Line, deeming it a pivotal move in rectifying historical infrastructure disparities and addressing regional concerns in the South-East and North-East.
This commendation follows the Senate’s approval on Tuesday of the President’s $21 billion foreign loan request, with $3 billion designated for the revitalization of the Eastern Corridor, extending from Port Harcourt to Maiduguri—a longstanding demand from regional stakeholders.
Senator Victor Umeh, invoking Order 42 (Personal Explanation), recalled raising the matter during budget discussions, noting that Senate President Godswill Akpabio had pledged to personally draw the President’s attention to it.
“This Eastern Rail Line, now poised for reconstruction, is a welcome development, particularly considering the sentiments of the South-East populace,” Umeh remarked. “I wish to express gratitude to Mr. President, who during his January visit to the South-East, assured us of addressing this issue. With the $3 billion now allocated, that promise is on the path to fulfillment.”
In response, Senate President Akpabio commended Umeh’s non-partisan approach, stating, “Good governance should transcend party lines. This indicates Nigeria’s political maturation.”
In a related development, the Senate sanctioned a total budget of N105,140,926,744.08 for the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) for the 2025 fiscal year.
The budget is in accordance with the RMAFC Act, 2025, and the 0.5% of non-oil Federation Revenue sanctioned by the National Economic Council (NEC) in December 2024. The approval followed the report presentation by Senator Yahaya Abdullahi, Chairman, Senate Committee on National Planning and Economic Affairs.
Senate Confirms Tijani Kaura for SSDC Governing Board
Additionally, on Wednesday, the Senate confirmed Senator Tijani Yahaya Kaura as a Member representing the North-West Geo-Political Zone on the Governing Board of the South South Development Commission (SSDC).
The confirmation followed the presentation of a report by Senator Benson Konbowei, Chairman of the Senate Committee on the SSDC. Konbowei noted that Kaura, who had initially failed to appear before the committee or submit required documents, subsequently presented himself for screening, allowing the process to advance.
It is to be recalled that on June 26, the Senate confirmed Hon. Chibudom Nwuche (Rivers) as Chairman and Usoro Offiong Akpabio (Akwa Ibom) as Managing Director of the SSDC, but deferred Kaura’s confirmation due to his initial non-compliance with the screening process.
