The federal government has called on state governments in Nigeria to pool their resources for the development of regional railways 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) held in Abuja.
Represented by Musa Ibrahim, a director at the Ministry of Transportation, Alkali emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts between the federal and state governments to address challenges in the transportation sector. He highlighted that investing in railway projects could lead to the establishment of sustainable public transport and mass transit systems within geopolitical zones, potentially introducing about 200 electric vehicles or compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) buses.
Alkali stressed the significance of teamwork and cooperation, urging participants to embrace innovative ideas and technologies capable of revolutionizing infrastructure and transportation systems in Nigeria. He reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to connecting seaports by rail, as well as linking airports and dry ports across the country.
Chinwe Uwaegbute, the Executive Secretary of NTCF, emphasized the forum’s mission to facilitate better coordination, share best practices, and collectively contribute to the enhancement of national transportation infrastructure. She underscored the need for a transformative shift in Nigeria’s urban transportation system to meet the public’s expectations regarding the movement of goods and services.
Uwaegbute also noted the dismantling of the fuel subsidy regime, highlighting the necessity for federal and state governments to adopt a paradigm shift towards a sustainable urban transportation system that aligns with global efforts. She emphasized that such a shift would play a vital role in combating climate change and improving the quality of life for citizens.
