Vice President Kashim Shettima has said Nigeria must urgently revive and modernise its railway services if it is to sustain its position as Africa’s logistics hub.
Declaring the 2nd International Railway Conference open in Abuja on Monday, the Vice President stated that the administration of President Bola Tinubu is committed to connecting Nigerian cities via an integrated transport network of roads and railways to promote industrialisation and economic growth.
“The challenge ahead of us is to lead this race as the logistics hub of Africa by reviving and revitalising our railway services,” Shettima said.
“We must be conscious of our place as the anchor of West Africa’s economy and home to the continent’s largest population as we prepare for the adoption of modern railway infrastructure.”
He explained that the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration was designed to reduce decades of overdependence on road transportation, which has led to congestion, infrastructure decay and high accident rates.
“Railways offer safer, cheaper and more environmentally friendly alternatives, reducing carbon emissions and reinforcing our commitment to sustainable development,” he added.
Shettima stressed that tapping into the vast opportunities in the sector would not be easy, insisting that partnerships and private sector participation are essential.
“Our ongoing modernisation projects, Lagos to Kano, Kano to Maradi, and Port Harcourt to Maiduguri, are designed with open doors for private sector participation. We must ensure not only timely completion but also sustainability and efficient utilisation of these projects,” he said.
He reaffirmed the government’s resolve to connect major Nigerian cities by road and rail, describing it as vital for seamless trade and industrialisation.
“Our aspiration is for a nation where industries can convey their products to the market, and where raw materials can move seamlessly from primary producers to industries without hindrance,” he said.
Shettima commended the Ministry of Transportation for convening the conference in partnership with De-Sadel Nigeria Limited and the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, describing it as a valuable platform to engage stakeholders on strategies for sustainable railway development.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, stated that the High-Speed Rail project embodies the administration’s bold vision to transform Nigeria’s transportation sector, noting that it aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda’s priority on infrastructure and national integration.
Minister of Transportation, Senator Said Ahmed Alkali, described transport as an enabler of economic growth and pointed to the Federal Executive Council’s recent approval of ultra-modern bus terminals across the six geopolitical zones.
He added that railways would foster national unity while creating investment opportunities.
Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, highlighted the synergy between gas and rail development, noting that Nigeria’s gas potential provides reliable power to support railway infrastructure.
Additionally, Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), stated that the agency would ensure accountability and expedite procurement approvals to attract investment into the sector.
The event was attended by senior government officials, legislators, industry experts and traditional rulers, including Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu; Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu; Chairman, Senate Committee on Land Transport, Adamu Aliero; the Obi of Onitsha, His Majesty Nnaemeka Achebe; and the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi.
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