Federal Government Signs Mou with UK Company for Port Harcourt-Enugu-Calabar-Abuja Rail Project

 The Ministry of Transport has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with MPH Rail Development Limited, a company based in the United Kingdom, to oversee the Port Harcourt–Enugu–Calabar–Abuja Standard Gauge Rail Line project through a public-private partnership. 

The announcement was disclosed via a statement on the ministry's website.

 According to the MoU, the UK firm will handle the entire process from design and construction to operation and eventual handover of the rail line.

 The signing of the MoU follows the approval of the Outline Business Case and a compliance certificate from the Infrastructure, Concession, and Regulatory Commission, allowing MPH Rail Development Limited to proceed with compiling necessary documents for Federal Executive Council approval. 

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The signing ceremony, attended by Minister of Transportation Senator Said Alkali, Permanent Secretary Olufemi Oloruntola, Director of Rail Development Zirra Fimbarr, and Director of Legal Services Pius Oteh, received assurance of full ministry support for project implementation.

 Emphasizing the importance of meticulous preparation and document submission for FEC approval, Minister Alkali highlighted the necessity of crucial documents such as a comprehensive feasibility study report, a detailed Business Case Study, an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment, a Resettlement Action Plan, and a Financial Model to ensure the project's transfer to the federal government under a PPP framework without imposing loans or debts on Nigeria or its agencies.

The statement read in part:

 “As part of the initiative to consolidate the ongoing railway modernisation projects consistent with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Presidential Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, the Minister of Transportation, Senator Said Ahmed Alkali, has executed a Memorandum of Understanding on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Transportation with Messrs MPH Rail Development (UK) Limited to enable the company to carry out the design, construction, commissioning, operation and transfer of the Port Harcourt–Enugu–Calabar–Abuja Standard Gauge Rail Line on Public – Private Partnership basis.”