Transportation Minister Seeks Funding For Rail Modernisation Projects

Nigeria’s Minister of Transportation, Senator Said Alkali, has reiterated the need for increased funding to drive the modernisation plans of the country’s railway infrastructure, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The Minister stated this while highlighting the critical challenges faced by railway projects in a briefing at the National Assembly, Abuja.

During the session with the House Committee on land transportation, the minister emphasised that without a substantial increase in funding, the ministry would face significant hurdles in meeting its objectives of upgrading and expanding the nation’s railway network.

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The Minister also stressed the importance of conducting exchange of experience visits and providing operational logistics to ensure the efficient and effective functioning of the transportation system. These vital components, he emphasised, require sufficient financial support to be successfully implemented and sustained.

The call for increased funding comes at a crucial juncture when the nation’s rail infrastructure is in need of substantial upgrades to meet the demands of a growing population and economy. Improved rail transportation not only enhances connectivity, but also contributes to economic growth, job creation and environmental sustainability.

In light of these challenges, the Minister urged the national assembly to “prioritise the allocation of additional funds to the Ministry of Transportation”. 

He said that increased funding is essential to propel the much-needed modernisation and expansion of the rail network, ultimately benefiting the nation as a whole.