Abuja: 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.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the theme of the conference was ‘Challenges and Opportunities in Railway Development in Africa: A Call for Investment’. Obegolu stated that railways are more than just a means of transportation, describing them as the backbone of industrialisation, trade facilitation, and regional integration. He emphasized the importance of an extensive rail network for economic growth within Nigeria.
Obegolu noted the conference’s role in attracting investment for ACCI members and the wider business community in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). He stressed the need for commitment to acti
onable solutions to enhance Africa’s railway systems and continental connectivity, highlighting the direct impact of railways on economic growth and competitiveness.
ACCI’s interest in railway development is based on its potential to stimulate investment, drive trade, support industries, and create jobs. Obegolu pointed out the immense opportunities available, ranging from infrastructure financing and technology partnerships to logistics, supply chains, and the inclusion of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
He encouraged delegates, exhibitors, and stakeholders to seize the opportunities presented at the conference, explore partnerships, and exchange innovative ideas to boost the sector. Mr Adebowale Adedokun, Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), expressed the bureau’s alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda in the transportation sector and its commitment to monitoring and ensuring the proper execution of railway projects.
Mr Michael Yigao, Managing Director of C
hina Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), called for stronger collaboration to enable Nigeria to build modern railway systems, emphasizing the need to create railways that unite, empower, and symbolize shared prosperity.