Transport Minister visits Portuguese Transport Corporation, assures FG’s Commitment to a healthy Partnership.
Oru Leonard
The Honourable Minister of Transportation, Senator Said Ahmed Alkali has assured the Federal government’s resolute determination to collaborate with Portugal in the area of rail transport system.
He gave the assurance Wednesday 12th March, 2025 when he led a high powered delegation from Nigeria to the European country while on a courtesy call to the Director/CEO of Comboios De Portugal, Helena Figuenedo in her Office at Lisbon, the capital city of the country.
According to the Minister, improving rail transport remains one of the key priorities of the Tinubu led administration, hence the need for Nigeria to collaborate with developed nations through public Private Partnership (PPP) cannot be overemphasized.
Senator Alkali maintained that Nigerian government will be glad to receive a technical/ inspection team from the European country to enable them have dialogue in the area of Locomotives and coaches refurbishment aimed at promoting both passenger train and freight services in Nigeria.
He added that while passenger trains are meant to render social services to the Nigerian populace, on the other hand, freight services are designed to earn more revenue to the coffers of the Federal government.
Speaking earlier, the Director/CEO of the Railway Corporation of Portugal, Helena Figuenedo expressed appreciation over the Nigeria’s delegation visit to Lisbon assuring their unwavering commitment to partner with the West African country, pointing out that Portugal had its huge investments in Angola, Mozambique and other countries across the globe.
She said the Corporation which was established in 1856 plays a significant role to the socioeconomic growth of the country through strengthening inter connectivity between the country and France as well as Spain.
In his contribution, the Managing Director, Mota Engyl, Mr. Pedro said it is timely for Nigeria to partner with Portugal for training of its Railway staff to ensure effective and efficient service delivery.
He explained that 80% of the gas being used in Portugal comes from Nigeria, adding that the cordial relationship that exists between the two countries needs to be sustained for prosperity.
On Monday, 10th March, the team had visited Comboios De Portugal, at Porto, the second largest city in the country.
The delegation comprises of Members of the National Assembly Committee on Land transport, Directors from the Federal Ministry of Transportation and the Nigerian Railway Corporation.
(Umar Alkali Jibril, SA Media and Publicity To the HMOT)
