The Nigerian Minister of Transportation, Senator Said Ahmed Alkali, has urged Chinese and foreign investors to consider investing in the nation’s railway infrastructure.
Addressing attendees at the 16th International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum (IIICF) in Macao, China, the Minister outlined various lucrative investment opportunities, including power supply schemes, integrated security solutions, and real-time monitoring systems to ensure the safety and reliability of railway corridors.
Alkali showcased Nigeria’s dedication to sustainability, particularly through the retrofitting of locomotives for hybrid propulsion systems powered by Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).
“Infrastructure is not solely about tracks and trains,” he stated. “To achieve optimal functionality of our railway system, we require investments in dedicated power supply, integrated security solutions, and real-time monitoring systems. These sectors are ideal for private-sector involvement and public-private partnerships.”
He regarded China as a reliable partner and expressed hopes for a more profound collaboration that builds not just railways but also bridges of opportunity, peace, and shared progress. He invited global investors to see Nigeria as a strategic hub for African connectivity, rather than just a market, reinforcing the significance of empowering partnerships.
The Minister pointed to the Lagos–Kano Standard Gauge Railway Project as a prime example of successful cooperation with the China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC). He highlighted significant achievements, such as the operational Abuja–Kaduna Railway Line and the completed Lagos–Ibadan Railway Line, which enhance trade and connectivity.
He underscored the necessity of completing the remaining Ibadan–Minna–Abuja segment of the Lagos–Kano corridor and called upon Chinese partners for both financial and technical support to realise this vital project, which promises to facilitate inter-regional trade and improve trans-African connectivity.
Additionally, the Minister shared that numerous feasibility studies have been completed, identifying several investment-ready opportunities that span critical agricultural and commercial zones, offering substantial returns for committed partners.
