Soludo Unveils Anambra State Railway Master Plan
Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State has announced the completion of the state’s long-awaited Railway Master Plan, positioning it as a transformative step toward enhancing transportation, industrialization, and economic integration across the Southeast region.
The announcement came during a high-level roundtable held at the International Convention Center, Awka, organized by the Anambra Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) Council.
The event brought together business leaders, government officials, traditional rulers, and other key stakeholders to discuss business-enabling reforms in the state.
Welcoming attendees, Commissioner for Industry Mr. Christian Udechukwu praised the governor’s commitment to infrastructural expansion, digital transformation, and policy reform, highlighting Anambra’s evolving attractiveness for investors.
He urged stakeholders to seize the emerging opportunities under Soludo’s administration.
Industry representatives at the event echoed this sentiment.
Mr. Chizoo Nwanu of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria applauded recent reforms but raised concerns over unauthorized revenue collectors and called for a complaints-resolution mechanism.
ACCIMA President Uchenna Uzoma Apakama proposed establishing a trade fair ground and promoting international trade missions to boost Anambra’s global competitiveness.
Traditional ruler and industrialist, HRM Igwe Chidubem Oranu, commended Soludo’s infrastructure development without resorting to borrowing but criticized the excessive number of security checkpoints near Onitsha, which he said could deter investors.
He also called for the construction of a strategic road linking Ayamelum communities to the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway.
Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mrs. Chiamaka Nnake, provided an overview of business-enabling reforms, highlighting ten priority areas, including credit access, land processes, tax regimes, and contract enforcement.
She reiterated the government’s commitment to transparency and encouraged businesses to use official feedback channels.
In his keynote, Governor Soludo emphasized his vision to make Anambra Nigeria’s industrial hub.
He described the Railway Master Plan developed by CPCS, Canada as a “game changer” and confirmed ongoing efforts to secure financing.
The project aims to lower transportation costs and connect Anambra with key economic corridors.
He also revealed the acquisition of over 5,000 hectares of land for industrial development in Ogborji, Aguluezechukwu, and nearby areas, noting that the process is now fully digitized and transparent.
Responding to participants’ concerns, Soludo announced a forthcoming law to ban illegal financial levies and harassment by community members against land buyers, aimed at ending extortion and insecurity.
On power issues, he affirmed the government’s resolve to eliminate estimated billing through the Anambra Electricity Law and the newly established Anambra State Electricity Regulatory Commission.
Governor Soludo called on stakeholders to partner actively in the state’s development, emphasizing integrity, mindset, and collective responsibility. “Anambra is an A-state—we must invest not only our money but also our values. Together, we can achieve great things,” he added.
The event ended with an interactive session where business owners shared their challenges and received real-time responses and policy clarifications from the Governor. Other dignitaries in attendance included key members of the EoDB Council and top government officials.
