By Nafisa Muhammad Iman
The Vice President of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima, GCON, has emphasized the importance of railway development in driving national prosperity.
Delivering the opening address at the 2nd International Railway Conference held at the Abuja Continental Hotel, Shettima highlighted the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which seeks to restore trust in government, create opportunities, and deliver prosperity to Nigerians.
Shettima stressed that Nigeria must not only participate in the growing railway development movement across Africa but also lead it, leveraging its vast geography and large population to anchor West Africa’s economy. Projects like the Kano-Maradi railway modernization project will open new gateways for trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area, repositioning Nigeria as the logistics hub of Africa.
The Vice President noted that ongoing rail modernization projects, such as the Lagos-Kano, Kano-Maradi, and Port Harcourt-Maiduguri routes, are open for private sector participation to ensure timely completion, sustainability, and efficient utilization. He emphasized that the Nigerian government is determined to make rail connectivity the backbone of prosperity and unity, envisioning a continent where farmers earn more, industries grow stronger, and people travel safer.
Shettima commended the Federal Ministry of Transportation for organizing the conference in collaboration with De-Sadel Nigeria Limited and the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He urged delegates to take advantage of the conference to engage with resource teams and achieve the objectives of the event.
On behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Vice President formally declared the 2nd International Railway Conference open, wishing it a success. He expressed gratitude to all delegates and organizers, underscoring the government’s commitment to developing the railway sub-sector as a catalyst for national development.
The conference aims to discuss issues and prospects embedded in the railway sub-sector, providing a platform for stakeholders to collaborate and drive development.