Tinubu Urges Collective Action to Revolutionize Nigeria’s Rail Infrastructure
As Nigeria seeks to transform its economy and improve the lives of its citizens, the importance of a robust and efficient rail system cannot be overstated. With the country’s vast resources and growing population, a modernized rail network is crucial for driving economic growth, reducing congestion, and promoting sustainable development. Against this backdrop, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has underscored the significance of collaborative efforts to boost Nigeria’s rail system.
Speaking at the 2nd International Railway Conference in Abuja, themed “Opportunities and Challenges in Railways Development in Africa”, President Tinubu highlighted the complexities of maximizing railway sector opportunities, emphasizing the need for networks, partnerships, and robust stakeholder collaboration.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, he emphasized the urgency of investing in railway infrastructure, citing Nigeria’s large economy and population as compelling reasons.
The President highlighted the crucial role of effective rail services in wealth creation, noting that it connects factories to raw materials, workers to opportunities, and farmers to markets while also fostering cultural and social bonds.
He emphasized that “our agenda is driven by the need to alleviate the burden on our roads and highways, which have suffered from decades of over-reliance on road transportation, resulting in congestion, infrastructure deterioration, and increased accident rates
“Railways offer a safer, more environmentally friendly alternative, reducing carbon emissions and reinforcing our commitment to sustainable development” he said
The President who reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring a linkage of all cities in the nation through railways and roads to enhance industrialization, emphasized, “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.”
On ensuring that Nigeria takes the lead in Africa, he highlighted that, “The challenge ahead of us is to lead this race as the logistics hub of Africa. By reviving and revitalising 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”
“We cannot afford to lag behind if we aim to remain globally competitive.*, he said
President Tinubu revealed that Nigeria’s ongoing modernization projects, including the Lagos-Kano, Kano-Maradi, and Port Harcourt-Maiduguri routes, are therefore designed to welcome private sector participation.
He commended the Federal Ministry of Transportation, De-Sadel Nigeria Limited, and the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry for reconnecting rail industry partners globally.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume noted that the proposed speed rail project will transform Nigeria’s infrastructure and boost economic growth.
He emphasized the need to address financial, technical, legal, and institutional requirements for the project’s success.
Minister of Transportation, Sen. Said Alkali, highlighted key achievements, including accelerated progress on the 203km Kaduna-Kano rail modernization project, which has advanced from 15% to 53% completion, and advancements on the 387km Kano-Maradi project, which has progressed from 5% to 60% completion.
He added that the Kaduna-Kano project will be ready for commissioning by December 2026 and commended President Tinubu for prioritizing transportation as a gateway to the nation’s economy.
The conference brought together dignitaries from government, legislature, industry leaders, experts, and traditional institutions, underscoring the importance of collective action in driving Nigeria’s rail sector forward.
