Vice President Kashim Shettima has emphasized that revitalizing Nigeria’s railway sector is essential for the country to maintain its strategic position as the logistics hub of Africa.
Speaking at the Second International Railway Conference in Abuja on Monday, the Vice President called for urgent investment, innovation, and collaboration to unlock the full potential of rail infrastructure in Nigeria.
“The challenge ahead of us is to lead this race as the logistics hub of Africa by reviving and revitalising our railway services,” Shettima said.
He stressed that Nigeria’s unique economic standing—being the anchor of West Africa’s economy and home to Africa’s largest population—requires modern railway systems to match its growing logistics needs.
Highlighting key infrastructure efforts, Shettima pointed to ongoing projects such as the Kano–Maradi railway, which he said would serve as a gateway for trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Other strategic rail links mentioned include Lagos to Kano modernisation, Kano to Maradi extension and Port Harcourt to Maiduguri reconstruction
These projects, he noted, are open to private sector participation, ensuring sustainability and efficiency in their execution.
Shettima criticized the country’s decades-long over-reliance on road transport, which he said has resulted in infrastructure decay, congestion, and rising accident rates.
“Railways offer safer, cheaper, and more environmentally friendly alternatives, reducing carbon emissions and reinforcing our commitment to sustainable development,” the Vice President stated.
He reiterated that the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration seeks to not only relieve the pressure on Nigerian roads but also position the country as a major player in regional trade and industrialisation.
Vice President Shettima reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to connecting all Nigerian cities through rail and road networks, enabling the seamless movement of raw materials and finished goods to support industrial growth.
“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.
While acknowledging the ambitious scale of Nigeria’s railway transformation, Shettima underscored the need for multi-stakeholder collaboration.
“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.”
He urged participants of the International Railway Conference to fully engage and contribute actionable insights toward achieving Nigeria’s transportation goals.
The conference was organised by the Federal Ministry of Transportation in collaboration with De-Sadel Nigeria Ltd and the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, a move Shettima described as commendable in reestablishing Nigeria’s global rail industry connections.
