Vice-President Kashim Shettima says the only way Nigeria can maintain its lead as the logistics hub of Africa is to revive and revitalise the nation’s railway services.

Mr Shettima stated this in Abuja on Monday at the 2nd International Railway Conference.

He assured, however, that it was such a rebirth that inspired railway projects and modernisation under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He called for strong networking, partnerships, and collaboration among stakeholders, insisting that the task of taking full advantage of the numerous opportunities in the railway sector is not one to be taken lightly.

“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.

“These awakening inspired projects, such as the Kano–Maradi railway modernisation, will open new gateways for trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area,” he said.

Mr Shettima drew attention to the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which he said” is also shaped by the urgent need to reduce the burden on roads and highways across the country.”

He decried decades of over-reliance on road transportation, leading 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.

Mr Shettima, however, did not guarantee an easy path to harnessing the potential in the railway sector, just as he demanded strong collaboration, networking and alliance among stakeholders.

His words: “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 restated the firm resolve of the Tinubu administration to link all cities in Nigeria through railways and roads to enhance industrialisation.

“President Bola 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 implored participants “to take full advantage of the unique opportunity to engage the resource team and to collectively sharpen the outcomes of” the conference.

The secretary to the government of the federation, George Akume, said the high-speed rail (HSR) project embodies a bold and visionary initiative and reflects the government’s commitment to the transformation of Nigeria’s public sector transportation.

He stressed that the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr Tinubu prioritises transformational infrastructure, noting that the HSR project offers immense opportunities for inclusive growth and national integration.

The minister of transportation, Sai’du Alkali, noted that transportation remains an enabler of economic growth across jurisdictions.

He said the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr Tinubu has accorded special priority to the transportation sector, resulting in the approval of massive projects nationwide.

(NAN)