The Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has inaugurated the groundbreaking ceremony for a 365-kilometre railway intended to connect the southern and northern parts of the state. This Public-Private Partnership project is spearheaded by Messers Reinhoke LLC in collaboration with the state government.
The ceremony took place on 13 August 2024 at the Tinapa Free Zone Resort. The Governor highlighted that the railway project is a direct result of the Investment Summit held in August 2023 at the Calabar International Convention Centre. During the summit, the state engaged extensively with financial, infrastructure, and social investment stakeholders to support the growth of Cross River’s economy.
The Grandlito Railway Project, stretching from Calabar to Obudu, will cover approximately 365 kilometres, with main terminals in Calabar and Obudu and three sub-stations located at Ugep, Ikom, and Ogoja. The project is estimated to cost $350 million, with funding sourced from equity investments and debt financing from financial institutions, and is significantly backed by the Cross River State government.
Governor Otu emphasised the strategic importance of the rail project for the state’s economic growth, given Cross River’s location near Equatorial Guinea, Cameroon, Sao Tome and Principe, and its hosting of the largest export processing zone in Nigeria, the Calabar Free Trade Zone (CFTZ). The railway line is expected to facilitate intra-state movement and serve as an evacuation corridor for goods and services across international borders, bolstering international trade and stimulating local entrepreneurship and economic growth.
Governor Otu urged Reinhoke Investment LLC to ensure the project’s timely completion and called on local communities along the railway route to cooperate fully with the construction company. He also encouraged local residents to apply for sub-contracts in line with local content requirements, based on their skills and capacities. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transforming the state’s infrastructure through sustainable partnerships.
Stanley Orji of Reinhoke Investments LLC noted that the project is expected to attract investments, stimulate job creation, and foster the growth of sectors such as high-tech, tourism, manufacturing, and agriculture. He assured the public of his company’s commitment to meeting contractual obligations and completing the project within the agreed timeframe, positioning Cross River as an attractive destination for both local and international investors.
