Anglican Church Urges Tinubu to Complete Eastern Rail Project
The Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Enugu Diocese, has urged the Federal Government to fast-track the completion of the Eastern Rail Line linking Port Harcourt and Maiduguri, saying the prolonged delay is worsening transportation and economic activities across Nigeria's eastern corridor.
The call was contained in a seven-point communiqué issued at the end of the Third Session of the 19th Synod of the Diocese held at St. Peter's Anglican Church, Ogbete, Enugu North LGA.
The President of the Synod and Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Rt. Rev. Samuel Ike, recalled that President Bola Tinubu had pledged during a visit to Enugu in January 2025 that work on the Eastern Rail Line would be expedited.
"We made a plea this time around that the Eastern Rail Line, which had been promised for completion by the President as far back as January 2025 when he visited Enugu State, is still in a state of dilemma.
"The sooner it is completed, the people in the eastern corridor will have a great deal of relief with regards to transportation of lives, property, goods and services," he said.
The Synod also expressed concern over the country's security situation, saying that despite the ₦5.41 trillion allocated to defence and security in the 2026 national budget, kidnapping and violent attacks had continued in several parts of the country. It cited the abduction and killing of schoolchildren and teachers as evidence of the deteriorating security environment.
On electricity supply, the Synod said many Nigerians were yet to experience the affordable, accessible and reliable power promised by the Federal Government, despite increases in electricity tariffs.
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Church warned against actions capable of overheating the political atmosphere. It urged political parties to conduct their activities in accordance with the law and called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to provide a level playing field for all political parties and candidates.
The Synod also encouraged eligible Nigerians to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and participate actively in the electoral process.
On gender-based violence, the Church declared zero tolerance for all forms of abuse and called on governments, civil society organisations and citizens to strengthen efforts to prevent and address such violations.
The Synod commended the Enugu State Government for what it described as notable progress in infrastructure, security, healthcare and education under Governor Peter Mbah's administration.
It also welcomed the state's decision to review multiple taxes following concerns raised by residents, while urging the government to consider further reductions to ease the economic burden on citizens.
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