Vice President Kashim Shettima has declared that revitalising Nigeria’s railway system is essential for the nation to maintain its position as Africa’s leading logistics hub.
Speaking at the 2nd International Railway Conference in Abuja, he emphasised that a modern and efficient rail network is a cornerstone of the President Bola Tinubu administration’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.”
“The challenge ahead of us is to lead this race as the logistics hub of Africa by reviving and revitalising our railway services,” Shettima stated.
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He highlighted that the administration is committed to reducing the country’s over-reliance on road transportation, which has caused “congestion, rapid deterioration of infrastructure, and higher accident rates.”
Railways, he added, offer “safer, cheaper, and more environmentally friendly alternatives, reducing carbon emissions.”
Shettima called for robust collaboration with the private sector to ensure the timely completion and sustainability of ongoing projects, including the Lagos-Kano, Kano-Maradi, and Port Harcourt-Maiduguri railway lines.
He reiterated the administration’s goal to connect all Nigerian cities via rail and roads to boost industrialisation.
Other key figures at the event, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and the Minister of Transportation, Sa’idu Ahmed Alkali, echoed Shettima’s sentiments.
They noted that the transportation sector has been given special priority under the current administration, with recent approvals for massive projects, including a new bus terminal in each of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, also spoke, explaining the synergy between the rail system and Nigeria’s abundant gas potential, which can provide a sustainable power source for the railway infrastructure.
The Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement, Adebowale Adedokun, assured attendees that his office would provide speedy approvals and ensure accountability to attract foreign direct investment.
The conference, described as an “invaluable platform” by the Vice President, was attended by a wide range of government officials, industry leaders, and traditional rulers, including the Obi of Onitsha and the Ooni of Ife.
