The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) has urged stakeholders in the transportation sector to demonstrate greater commitment toward actionable solutions to strengthen Africa’s railway systems and enhance continental connectivity.
Chief Emeka Obegolu, President of ACCI, made the call at the opening of the 2nd Abuja International Railway Conference and Exhibition on Monday in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the conference was “Challenges and Opportunities in Railway Development in Africa: A Call for Investment”.
Obegolu said railways were more than a means of transportation, describing them as the backbone of industrialisation, trade facilitation, and regional integration.
“We have come to realise that rail transport offers so many opportunities for trade within and outside Nigeria.
“For our economy to grow, we must have an extensive rail network that connects people and places in Nigeria,” he said.
He noted that the conference provided an opportunity for ACCI to attract investment for its members and the wider business community in the FCT.
“The rail sector is an extensive investment platform for businesses to grow and support the national economy.
“There should also be commitment to actionable solutions that will strengthen Africa’s railway systems and enhance continental connectivity,” Obegolu said.
He stressed that railways directly impacted economic growth and competitiveness by reducing the cost of doing business, opening new markets, and creating opportunities for enterprises of all sizes.
According to him, ACCI’s interest in railway development is rooted in its potential to stimulate investment, drive trade, support industries, and create jobs.
“The opportunities are immense – from infrastructure financing and technology partnerships to logistics, supply chains, and inclusion of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
“This is why ACCI is proud to partner with the Federal Ministry of Transportation and Desadel Nigeria Ltd in convening this forum,” he said.
Obegolu encouraged delegates, exhibitors, and stakeholders to seize the opportunities of the conference, explore partnerships, and exchange innovative ideas to boost the sector.
Mr Adebowale Adedokun, Director-General, Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), said the bureau was fully aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda in the transportation sector.
He said BPP had rigorously monitored railway projects and would continue to ensure their proper execution.
Mr Michael Yigao, Managing Director, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), also called for stronger collaboration to enable Nigeria build modern railway systems.
“Let us collaborate to enhance the sector for economic growth. Let us build railways that unite rather than divide, empower rather than exclude, and endure as symbols of shared prosperity,” he said. (NAN)