The resumption of construction work on the 1,443 km line from Port Harcourt to Maiduguri, worth €3.0 billion (US$3.2 billion), has begun. In addition to the renovation of the existing line, the project also includes the construction of new branches to Owerri in Imo State and Damaturu in Yobe State. The upgrading of the line for rail freight transport at 60 to 80 km/h and passenger rail transport at 80 to 100 km/h started in 2021, after a decade of planning. However, the work was delayed and eventually came to a standstill. The Nigerian Ministry of Transport has now confirmed that work will continue, but a completion date has not yet been set. The project was originally scheduled for completion at the end of 2023. The scope of the project also includes the construction of an industrial area along the line in Port Harcourt and the development of a deep-sea port on Bonny Island. The Nigerian subsidiary of China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) is carrying out the project.
