By: The Guardian

Vice President Kashim Shettima has said Nigeria must urgently revive and modernise its railway services to sustain its position as Africa’s logistics hub.

Declaring open the Second International Railway Conference in Abuja yesterday, the Vice President said the President Bola Tinubu’s administration is committed to linking Nigerian cities through an integrated transport network of roads and railways to drive industrialisation and economic growth.

Shettima explained that the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration was to reduce decades of over-dependence on road transportation, which has led to congestion, infrastructure decay and high accident rates. He stressed that tapping into the vast opportunities in the sector would not be easy, insisting that partnerships and private sector participation are essential.

He reaffirmed the government’s resolve to connect major Nigerian cities by road and rail, describing it as vital for seamless trade and industrialisation.

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 the programme as a valuable platform to engage stakeholders on strategies for sustainable railway development.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, said the High-Speed Rail project reflects the administration’s bold vision to transform the country’s transportation sector, adding that it aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda’s priority on infrastructure and national integration.

Minister of Transportation, Said Ahmed Alkali, described transport as an enabler of economic growth, pointing out the Federal Executive Council’s (FEC) recent approval of ultra-modern bus terminals across the six geo-political zones.  He added that railways would foster national unity while creating investment opportunities.

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, emphasised the synergy between gas and rail development, noting that the nation’s gas potential provides reliable power to support railway infrastructure.

Also, the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Dr Adebowale Adedokun, said the agency would ensure accountability and speed in procurement approvals to attract investment into the sector.