Why Doesn’t the East Have Working Train Services Like Other Parts of Nigeria?

Why Doesn’t the East Have Working Train Services Like Other Parts of Nigeria?

In some parts of Nigeria, trains are beginning to work again. Places like Lagos, Ibadan, Abuja, Kaduna, and Warri now have modern train services that carry both people and goods. But in the South-East, things are very different. People there are still waiting for trains that actually work.

This makes many people ask: why doesn’t the East have working train transport like the rest of the country?

What Happened to the Eastern Railway?

There used to be a railway line from Port Harcourt through cities like Aba, Umuahia, Enugu, Makurdi, Jos, and even up to Maiduguri. This line helped many people and businesses move easily across the South-East, South-South, and North.

But today, that railway is broken. Many parts of the tracks are damaged, some areas have been abandoned, and there are no regular train services for passengers. While other parts of Nigeria now have new train lines, the East is still waiting.

Reasons Why the East is Left Behind

1. More Attention to Other Regions

The government has spent more time and money on train projects in the West and North. That’s why places like Lagos and Abuja got working trains first.

2. Insecurity and Vandalism

Some parts of the Eastern line go through places that have problems with safety. Thieves and vandals have also stolen or damaged parts of the railway.

3. Lack of Political Support

Big projects like railways need leaders who will speak up and push for them. Sadly, the East has not had strong, united political voices pushing hard for the railway to be fixed.

4. Money Problems

The plan was to fix the Eastern railway with help from foreign companies. But there have been delays because of money issues and changes in government priorities.

Why This is a Big Problem

The South-East is full of busy and hard-working cities like Nnewi, Onitsha, Aba, and Enugu. These cities need good transport to grow their businesses and reduce the cost of moving goods.

Working train services would help traders, business owners, and travelers. They would also reduce the pressure on roads and make travel safer and cheaper.

If Nigeria truly wants to grow as one country, every region must be treated fairly. The train system in the East should be fixed and made to work, just like in other parts of the country.

This is not about politics. It is about development. The people of the East deserve good train transport too.