By Timothy Choji and, Tanimu Hassan in Abuja
President Bola Tinubu says Nigeria and the rest of the world needs the railway means of transportation more than ever.
He made the declaration in Abuja on Monday, at the opening of the 2nd International Railway Conference themed: “Opportunities and Challenges in Railway Development in Africa, A Call for Investment.”
He emphasized that railway transportation has come to stay because it is the backbone of industrialization.
President Bola Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, noted that the 2nd International Railway Conference was timely as it affords participants the opportunity to brainstorm on how to enhance rail transportation in Africa.
The President used the opportunity to underscore the importance of rail transportation especially with regards to boosting the economy.
“Railways offer safer, cheaper, and more environmentally friendly alternatives, reducing carbon emissions and reinforcing our commitment to sustainable development,” he said.
Furthermore, the Nigerian leader highlighted what the current administration has done to boost connectivity across the country.
He assured them however, that it was such a rebirth that inspired railway projects and modernization under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“The challenge ahead of us is to lead this race as the logistics hub of Africa by reviving and revitalizing our railway services. 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.
“His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has demonstrated, time and again, our national determination to connect our cities through roads and railways.
“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.
“This awakening inspired projects such as the Kano–Maradi railway modernization, which opened new gateways for trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area,” he said.
The President drew attention to the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which he said “is also shaped by the urgent need to reduce the burden on roads and highways across the country,” just as he expressed concern over decades of over-reliance on road transportation, leading ” to congestion, rapid deterioration of infrastructure, and higher accident rates.
“Railways offer safer, cheaper, and more environmentally friendly alternatives, reducing carbon emissions and reinforcing our commitment to sustainable development,” he added.
Partnership
He called for partnership with the private sector, to sustain the railway system in Nigeria and other parts of Africa.
The President implored participants at the conference to take full advantage of the unique opportunity to engage the resource team and to collectively sharpen the outcomes of the conference.
He applauded the Ministry of Transportation for organizing the conference in collaboration with a private company and the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, saying the “effort in reconnecting our partners in the rail industry across global jurisdictions is commendable.”
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, said the High-Speed Rail (HSR) project embodies a bold and visionary initiative and reflects the government’s commitment to the transformation of Nigeria’s public sector transportation.
He stressed that the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu prioritizes transformational infrastructure, noting that the HSR project offers immense opportunities for inclusive growth and national integration.
Economic Enabler
Minister of Transportation, Senator Said Alkali, noted that transportation remains an enabler of economic growth across jurisdictions.
He noted that the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu has accorded special priority to the transportation sector, resulting in the approval of massive projects nationwide.
The Minister cited the recent Federal Executive Council’s (FEC’s) approval of the construction of one ultra-modern bus terminal across six geopolitical zones in Nigeria, adding that the development will enhance public safety and the welfare of “our passengers.”
Alkali said railway represents a platform for national integration and unity, presenting enormous market opportunities, adding that the Nigerian government is well positioned to provide leadership aimed at fast-tracking effective public-private partnerships and investment in the sector.
Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, expressed optimism that the timely gathering will advance railway development across Nigeria and Africa, while opening new frontiers in trade, investment and industrial growth.
Explaining the synergy between the rail system and gas, the minister said Nigeria’s gas potential, being efficiently explored by the current administration, ensures reliable electricity along the rail infrastructure in alignment with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on sustainable energy and infrastructure development.
Turning Point
The Director-General (DG) of Nigeria’s Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, said the event represents a “turning point” in the life of the nation as every serious government prioritizes the railway sector as a pathway to poverty reduction and job creation.
He assured them that the BPP stands in full alignment with President Tinubu’s objective in delivering the Renewed Hope Agenda in the transportation sector, adding that the bureau will do everything within its capacity to ensure “speedy approvals” and “accountability” while attracting foreign direct investment.
The two-day event, which brought together stakeholders in rail transportation from across Africa, ends on Tuesday, 16th September.
Olusola Akintonde