Driving Economic Growth: FG Targets 40% GDP from the Transportation Sector through Railway Reformation
The Vice President of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, has announced an ambitious target for the federal government to derive 40% of its GDP from the transportation sector.
This was contained in a press statement signed by Umar Alkali Jibril, Special Assistant for Media and Publicity in the Office of the Honourable Minister of Transportation, made available to newsmen in Gombe over the weekend.
Mr. Shettima revealed this during the celebration of the arrival of the second batch of Nigerian Railway Engineering graduates, trained in China under the Chinese Civil Engineering Construction Corporation’s (CCECC) Corporate Social Responsibility initiative.
Represented by Hon. Ibrahim Hassan Hadeija, Shettima said that the transportation sector, especially the railway, is pivotal to the nation’s economic growth.
“This bold vision aims to leverage Nigeria’s population of over 200 million people, focusing on ongoing railway reformation programmes.
“Our renewed hope agenda targets transportation to harness the economic potential of our large population,” he noted, emphasising the significant role of trained engineers in revitalising the sector.
Also speaking, Senator Sa’idu Ahmad Alkali, the Minister of Transportation, reiterated the government’s commitment to collaborate with CCECC.
He lauded the company’s efforts, aligning with the federal government’s vision to deliver democratic dividends through strategic partnerships with multinational corporations.
In his remarks, Mr.
Michael Yigao, Managing Director of CCECC, reflected on the programme’s success since its inception in 2018.
“1+4 programme,” a collaboration between CCECC and Chang’an University, has produced 112 graduates equipped with advanced railway engineering skills.
“This initiative underscores our commitment to Nigeria, fostering technical expertise and international cooperation,” Yigao stated.
Alhaji Mamman Mustapha, a graduate from Maiduguri, Borno State, expressed gratitude for the life-changing opportunity.
He said that the comprehensive education and practical skills they acquired during their studies in China, which he believes will significantly contribute to Nigeria’s transportation system,.
“The knowledge and skills we gained in China will help us build a more efficient and effective transportation network in Nigeria.
The statement said, “As Nigeria moves forward with its transportation reforms, these newly trained engineers are expected to play a crucial role in driving economic growth and transforming the nation’s infrastructure.http://ournigerianews.com
