Nigeria, California Strengthen Ties in Transportation Sector
Oru Leonard
The Honourable Minister
of Transportation, Sen. Said Ahmed Alkali, has welcomed the Secretary of the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA), Toks Omishakin, to Nigeria. The visit aims to foster collaboration between Nigeria and the United States in the transportation sector.
Nigeria and the US have a long-standing cordial relationship since 1960, with the US supporting Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen democratic institutions and promote economic growth. The transportation sector plays a critical role in Nigeria’s development, contributing to the country’s GDP and facilitating the movement of goods and people.
The Federal Government has undertaken efforts to combat climate change, including the adoption of hybrid and CNG buses, and the promotion of non-motorized transportation. The government has also invested in railway projects, completing several lines, including the Abuja-Kaduna Rail line and the Lagos-Ibadan Double Track Standard Gauge Railway.
Alkali said the Ministry of Transportation is open to knowledge sharing, capacity building, and collaborative investments, particularly with California, which has a multimodal transportation system. Opportunities for bilateral cooperation, investment in CNG mass transit business, and provision of inter-state and intra-state train services are being explored.
Speaking the Californian state Secretary of Transportation agency, Dr. Toks Omishekin who has Nigerian root disclosed 40% of goods Coming to
U.S. entered through California
Ports, 25% of goods taken out of
taken from the California ports.
Omishelin assured Califorma’s readiness to Partner with Federal Ministry of Transportation (FMT) especially in the
area of transportation.
Vice Chancellor, Federal Transport University Technology Daura (FUTD), Prof. Umar Adam Katsa stressed the need for collaboration with the state of California for mutual benefit.
Director General National Institute of Transport Technology (NITT), Bayero Sakih Farah, called for collaboration in Capacity building that on CNG Conversion from Pms. Ag- MD, Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC), Mr. Ben Iloanusi said the Corporation embarked on retrofitting of NRC locomotives to reduce expenditure.
The visit is expected to yield positive outcomes, including the promotion of economic growth and the strengthening of ties between Nigeria and the US. A climate and trade delegation to Africa is scheduled to hold in 2025, with California set to host an event to promote economic growth.
