Senator Said Ahmed Alkali, Nigeria’s Minister of Transportation, is appealing to Chinese and international investors to engage in the development of the country’s railway infrastructure.
Speaking at the 16th International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum (IIICF) in Macao, the Minister outlined investment opportunities in power supply systems, integrated security frameworks, and real-time monitoring systems to enhance the safety and reliability of railway services.
Alkali articulated Nigeria’s commitment to sustainable development by retrofitting locomotives for hybrid propulsion using Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).
“Infrastructure is more than just tracks and trains,” he remarked. “For our railway to function effectively, we require investments in dedicated power supply, integrated security solutions, and real-time monitoring systems. These areas are prime for private-sector involvement and public-private partnerships.”
He acknowledged China as a trusted ally and expressed enthusiasm for deepening collaborations that not only build railways but also create bridges of opportunity and shared prosperity. He encouraged global investors to think of Nigeria as a strategic hub for African connectivity, rather than merely a market, advocating for transformative partnerships.
Alkali highlighted the Lagos–Kano Standard Gauge Railway Project as a significant collaboration with the China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC), noting progress on the operational Abuja–Kaduna Railway Line and the completed Lagos–Ibadan Railway Line, which have bolstered trade activities.
He stressed the importance of completing the remaining Ibadan–Minna–Abuja segment of the Lagos–Kano corridor, calling for renewed support from Chinese partners to bring this essential project to fruition, which will enhance regional commerce and connectivity across Africa.
The Minister concluded by revealing several feasibility studies that have identified investment-ready opportunities, including notable railway corridors that span critical commercial and agricultural zones, promising high returns for dedicated investors.