Vice President Kashim Shettima has stated that the only way for Nigeria to maintain its position as the logistics hub of Africa is to revive and revitalise the nation’s railway services. He made these remarks on Monday in Abuja while declaring open the 2nd International Railway Conference.
The Vice President emphasised the need for strong networking, partnerships, and collaboration among stakeholders, noting that the task of taking full advantage of the opportunities in the railway sector should not be taken lightly. He assured the audience that this commitment to renewal is driving railway projects and modernisation under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, 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,” Shettima said.
He highlighted that the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda is shaped by the urgent need to reduce the burden on roads and highways across the country. The Vice President expressed concern over decades of over-reliance on road transportation, which has led to congestion, rapid deterioration of infrastructure, and higher accident rates.
“Railways offer safer, cheaper, and more environmentally friendly alternatives, reducing carbon emissions and reinforcing our commitment to sustainable development,” he added.
Shettima also pointed to specific projects, such as the Kano–Maradi railway modernisation, which he said opens new gateways for trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
However, he did not guarantee an easy path to harnessing the potential in the railway sector, reiterating that strong collaboration among stakeholders remains essential.
“But the task of maximising the immense opportunities in the railway sector is not one we consider easy. It requires networks, partnerships, and robust collaboration with stakeholders. This is why our ongoing modernisation projects—Lagos to Kano, Kano to Maradi, and Port Harcourt to Maiduguri—are designed with open doors for private sector participation. We must ensure not only timely completion, but also sustainability and efficient utilisation of these projects,” the Vice President stated.
Shettima reaffirmed the administration’s firm resolve to link all cities in Nigeria through railways and roads to enhance industrialisation.
“His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has demonstrated, time and again, our national determination to connect our cities through roads and railways. 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,” he said.
In declaring the conference open, the Vice President described it as an invaluable platform to discuss practical strategies to achieve these objectives. He urged participants to take full advantage of the opportunity to engage with the resource team and collectively refine the outcomes of the event.
The conference was organised by the Federal Ministry of Transportation in collaboration with De-Sadel Nigeria Limited and the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
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