National vice chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC), South East Zone, Dr. Ijeomah Arodiogbu, has said that the $3 billion investment approved by the federal government for the construction of rail lines in the South East will redefine the economy and transportation in the zone.
Arodiogbu made this disclosure while addressing journalists in Owerri, the Imo State capital.
He said the proposed rail system was timely and described it as one of the largest federal infrastructure projects in the region.
According to him, when completed, the rail system would improve commerce, create employment, and strengthen connectivity, socialisation, and visibility.
The APC National Vice Chairman, Southeast, expressed optimism that the project will generate about 200,000 direct and indirect jobs during the construction phase, improve commercial activities by linking major cities, and unlock N50 billion in annual business transactions within the zone.
Arodiogbu highlighted that the rail system, according to specification, covers over 1,400 kilometers, will also stretch from Port Harcourt through Aba, Enugu, Makurdi, Jos, Bauchi, Gombe and terminate in Maiduguri.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for the bold initiative, which has given the region a sense of belonging.
The APC Stalwart thanked the governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma for contributing immensely to realising this vision.