FG to governors: Collaborate to develop regional railway infrastructure to improve trade

The federal government has asked state governments to pull funds together to develop railways in their various geopolitical zones to improve trade and regional integration.

Sa’idu Alkali, minister of transportation, spoke on Tuesday, at the 2023 inauguration and orientation summit of the Nigeria Transportation Commissioners’ Forum (NTCF) in Abuja.

Alkali was represented by Musa Ibrahim, a director at the transportation ministry.

He said efforts geared toward state government partnership to develop transportation infrastructure, will go a long way in addressing concerns in the sector.

The minister also said investing in the rail projects could help in establishing sustainable public transport and mass transit by the geopolitical zones, where they could have about 200 electric vehicles or compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquified natural gas (LNG) buses.

“Teamwork, pair mechanism is a great idea and that is why this forum excites me. But we must lower our individualism and leverage our corporate strength by going into cooperation and partnerships,” Alkali said.

“We must consciously decide and wholeheartedly tell our principals the truth concerning adapting and embracing innovative ideas and technologies that can revolutionalise our infrastructure and transportation systems.”

Alkali also expressed the federal government’s commitment to connecting all the seaports by rail, as well as connecting the airports and dry ports across the country.

On her part, Chinwe Uwaegbute, executive secretary of NTCF, said the forum aimed to provide a platform for enhanced coordination, share best practices, and collectively work towards the improvement of national transportation infrastructure.

Uwaegbute said the urban transportation system in Nigeria must undergo a transformational shift to meet the yearnings of the public with respect to the movement of goods and services.

“The dismantling of the fuel subsidy regime marks a pivotal moment that demands our attention, reflection, and collaborative exploration of alternatives,” she said.

She said the federal and state governments must see the need to have a paradigm shift towards a sustainable urban transportation system that aligns with global efforts.

This, Uwaegbute said, would significantly combat climate change and improve the quality of the citizenry.