The Minister of Transportation, Senator Sa’id Ahmed Alkali, has assured that the federal government remains resolute in it determination to improve Nigeria’s rail transport system.
Alkali gave the assurance when he led a high powered delegation from Nigeria to Lisbon, Portugal on a courtesy call to the Director/CEO of Comboios De Portugal, Helena Figuenedo, to foster collaboration in the area of rail transport system.
According to the Minister, improving rail transport remains one of the key priorities of the Tinubu led administration, hence the need for Nigeria to collaborate with developed nations through public Private Partnership (PPP) cannot be overemphasized.
Alkali maintained that Nigerian government will be glad to receive a technical/ inspection team from the European country to enable them have dialogue in the area of Locomotives and coaches refurbishment aimed at promoting both passenger train and freight services in Nigeria.
He noted that while passenger trains are meant to render social services to the Nigerian populace, the freight services, on the other hand, are designed to earn more revenue to the coffers of the federal government.
Speaking earlier, the Director/CEO of the Railway Corporation of Portugal, Helena Figuenedo expressed appreciation over the Nigeria’s delegation visit to Lisbon, and assured of their unwavering commitment to partner with the West African countries, pointing out that Portugal had its huge investments in Angola, Mozambique and other countries across the globe.
She said the Corporation, which was established in 1856, plays a significant role in the socioeconomic growth of the country through strengthening inter connectivity between the country and France as well as Spain.
In his contribution, the Managing Director, Mota Engyl, Mr. Pedro said it is timely for Nigeria to partner with Portugal for training its railway staff to ensure effective and efficient service delivery.
He explained that eighty per cent (80%) of the gas being used in Portugal comes from Nigeria, adding that the cordial relationship that exists between the two countries needs to be sustained for prosperity.
According to the statement signed by Special Assistant, Media, and Publicity to the Minister, Umar Alkali Jibril, the team had on Monday, 10th of March visited Comboios De Portugal at Porto, the second largest city in the country.
The delegation comprised members of the National Assembly Committee on Land transport, Directors from the Federal Ministry of Transportation, and the Nigerian Railway Corporation.
