…says project to unlock N50bn in annual trade
Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, has applauded President Bola Tinubu for allocating $3 billion for the completion of the Eastern Rail line, describing it as vital to South East development.
According to Kalu, the project which is a component of the external loans approved by the National Assembly, is a vital component of the government’s efforts to drive economic development, regional connectivity, and improve the lives of people from the South East and Nigeria generally.
While commending the President, the Deputy Speaker in a statement on Thursday, he disclosed that the rail line is projected to unlock about ₦50 billion in annual trade, linking Aba and Onitsha hubs to the markets in the northern region.
According to him, the President has, through this gesture, underscored the action-oriented nature of his Renewed Hope Agenda, demonstrating a clear commitment to unlocking the economic potential of the South East.
Kalu assured the President that Ndi Igbo will reciprocate his goodwill at the appropriate time to reflect the region’s deep appreciation for his efforts to foster growth and prosperity in the South East.
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“I commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his visionary leadership and commitment to the development of the South East region. He has again demonstrated his love for the people of the South East region by this bold step of completing the Eastern rail line which is expected to boost Nigeria’s non-oil exports and economic growth once completed”, he said.
“We can’t but show our immense gratitude to the President for this initiative to upscale the infrastructure in the South East. Indeed, the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President is not in words but in action especially for Ndigbo and at the right time, we will reciprocate this kind gestures. We are so grateful, Mr. President”, he added.
