Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The Honourable Minister of State for Works, Muhammad Bello Goronyo, Esq., has emphasized the imperative of an efficient and integrated transport system for sustainable national development. Goronyo stated this in his goodwill message as part of the 2nd International Railway Conference, jointly organized by the Federal Ministry of Transportation and the Abuja Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ACCI). This was contained in a statement signed by the Office of the Minister of State for Works.
According to the statement, he commended the organizers for convening such a strategic forum that brings together policymakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders to deliberate on the future of Nigeria’s railway sector.
In sharing his thoughts with participants, the Honourable Minister emphasized that no nation can achieve sustainable growth without an efficient and integrated transport system. He highlighted the importance of strengthening synergy between road and rail infrastructure as a key driver for reducing logistics costs, decongestant federal highways, and opening new frontiers for trade and investment.
According to him, the Ministry of Works is already taking deliberate steps to align ongoing and future road projects to serve as effective feeders to railway lines, ports, dry ports, and logistics hubs. This, he noted, is in direct alignment with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes the development of a robust multimodal transport network capable of positioning Nigeria as a competitive player in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The Honourable Minister reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to deepening collaboration with the Ministry of Transportation and all relevant partners in building a modern, world-class transport system that will support industrial growth, facilitate regional integration, and serve generations to come.
In conclusion, he extended his best wishes for productive deliberations at the conference and urged stakeholders to translate their discussions into concrete policies, investments, and partnerships that will advance Nigeria’s sustainable development.
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