Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, emphasised that reviving and revitalising Nigeria’s railway services is essential for the country to retain its position as Africa’s logistics hub.
Speaking in Abuja at the opening of the 2nd International Railway Conference, the Vice President urged strong networking, partnerships and collaboration among stakeholders, stressing that fully leveraging opportunities in the railway sector requires collective effort.
He noted that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had been inspired by the need for a national railway rebirth, which has driven projects such as the Kano–Maradi railway modernisation to open new trade gateways under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Shettima highlighted the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises reducing the strain on Nigeria’s road network and addressing decades of over-reliance on road transport. He stated that railways provide safer, cheaper and more environmentally friendly alternatives, reduce congestion and infrastructure wear, lower accident rates and support sustainable development.
While acknowledging that the task of maximising opportunities in the railway sector will not be easy, he called for collaboration, networking and alliances with stakeholders. He referenced ongoing railway modernisation projects including Lagos to Kano, Kano to Maradi and Port Harcourt to Maiduguri, noting they are open to private sector participation and require timely completion, sustainability and efficient utilisation.
The Vice President reaffirmed the Tinubu administration’s commitment to linking Nigerian cities through roads and railways to enhance industrialisation. He said the goal is to enable industries to transport products to markets efficiently and ensure smooth movement of raw materials to factories.
He described the 2nd International Railway Conference as a valuable platform to discuss practical strategies for achieving these objectives and encouraged participants to engage fully with the resource team to shape conference outcomes.
Shettima commended the Federal Ministry of Transportation for organising the event in partnership with De-Sadel Nigeria Limited and the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, describing their efforts to reconnect Nigeria’s rail industry with global partners as commendable.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, said the High-Speed Rail project represents a bold, visionary initiative aligned with the government’s commitment to transforming public transportation. He observed that the project offers opportunities for inclusive growth and national integration.
Minister of Transportation, Senator Said Ahmed Alkali, said transportation is a key enabler of economic growth and noted that the Renewed Hope Agenda has prioritised the sector, resulting in the approval of major projects nationwide. He referenced the Federal Executive Council’s recent approval for the construction of ultra-modern bus terminals across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, a move expected to improve passenger safety and welfare.
Alkali added that railway infrastructure plays an important role in national integration and unity, and he stated that the government is ready to lead efforts to accelerate public-private partnerships and investment in the sector.
Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, expressed optimism that the conference would advance railway development in Nigeria and Africa, as well as open new trade, investment and industrial opportunities. He pointed out that Nigeria’s gas potential, being harnessed under the current administration, would ensure reliable electricity supply along rail corridors in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda’s focus on sustainable energy and infrastructure development.
Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement, Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, described the conference as a turning point for the nation. He stated that prioritising the railway sector is key to reducing poverty and creating jobs and pledged the bureau’s support in providing speedy approvals and maintaining accountability to attract foreign direct investment.
The event was attended by senior government officials, legislators, industry leaders, experts and traditional rulers, including Minister of Budget and Economic Planning Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Steel Development Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Land Transport Adamu Aliero, Obi of Onitsha His Majesty Nnaemeka A. Achebe, Ooni of Ife His Imperial Majesty Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, and Managing Director of Bethlehem Rail Mr. Rowland Ocholi Ataguba.
