President Tinubu Champions Rail Infrastructure as Cornerstone for Nigeria’s Economic Ascent at Abuja Conference

His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR has declared strategic investments in rail infrastructure to be the fundamental bedrock of national development and a prerequisite for Nigeria’s global economic competitiveness. The President’s declaration was delivered on his behalf by Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima during the keynote address at the opening of the 2nd International Railway Conference & Exhibition.

Speaking to a distinguished gathering of stakeholders, the President’s address framed a clear national imperative: “Rail infrastructure is the cornerstone of mass transportation and the bedrock of any progressive nation’s development agenda.” He emphasized that a modernized rail network is vital for connecting cities, ports, and markets, thereby unlocking sustainable economic growth. “The imperative before us is clear: we must revitalize this vital sector and integrate cutting-edge technologies to build a resilient, modern rail network,” the statement urged, calling on stakeholders to prioritize transformative modernization.

The two-day conference, convened under the theme “Opportunities and Challenges in Railway Development in Africa: A Call for Investment,” is organized in partnership with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat and De-Sade Nigeria Limited as the lead partner. The event has drawn top government officials, industry leaders, investors, and experts to the nation’s capital to forge collaborative strategies for advancing rail connectivity across the continent.

In his welcome remarks, the Honourable Minister of Transportation, Senator Said Ahmed Alkali, described the forum as a critical platform for exchanging insights on emerging trends. He affirmed that the conference aims to “maximize the sector’s untapped potentials, positioning rail connectivity as a key driver for boosting the national economy,” in direct alignment with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes transportation as a gateway to sustainable development.

Further underscoring the government’s commitment, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, praised the initiative as a “broad visionary endeavor.” He noted that such advancements in high-speed rail and energy infrastructure are poised to catalyze profound changes in the nation’s economic landscape, foster robust expansion, and promote greater social inclusion.

The conference continues tomorrow with focused sessions on investment opportunities and collaborative project implementation. The event is attended by a wide array of participants, including investors, government representatives, contractors, manufacturers, and industry experts.

By Olusemire Jegede