The federal government has called upon state governments to pool their resources and collaborate in the development of regional railway infrastructure to enhance trade and regional integration. Sa’idu Alkali, the Minister of Transportation, made this appeal during the 2023 inauguration and orientation summit of the Nigeria Transportation Commissioners’ Forum (NTCF) in Abuja.
Represented by Musa Ibrahim, a director at the transportation ministry, Alkali emphasized the importance of state government partnerships in addressing transportation sector challenges. He also highlighted the potential benefits of investing in rail projects, including the establishment of sustainable public transport and mass transit systems with up to 200 electric vehicles or vehicles powered by compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) in various geopolitical zones.
Alkali stressed the importance of teamwork, cooperation, and partnerships among state governments to leverage their collective strength for infrastructure and transportation system improvements. He encouraged the adoption of innovative ideas and technologies to revolutionize the sector.
The minister reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to connecting seaports, airports, and dry ports across the country through rail infrastructure.
Chinwe Uwaegbute, the Executive Secretary of NTCF, explained that the forum aimed to facilitate better coordination, the sharing of best practices, and collaborative efforts to enhance national transportation infrastructure. She emphasized the need for a transformational shift in Nigeria’s urban transportation system to meet the public’s demands for the movement of goods and services.
Uwaegbute also noted the importance of considering sustainable urban transportation systems that align with global efforts to combat climate change and improve citizens’ quality of life, especially in light of the dismantling of the fuel subsidy regime. She called for a paradigm shift in both federal and state governments’ approach to transportation to achieve these goals.