From Idu Jude, Abuja
Minister of Transportation, Said Alkali, has made a pitch to Chinese and international investors, urging them to seize investment opportunities in the country’s railway infrastructure. He said oppourtunities abound particularly in power supply systems, integrated security solutions, and real-time monitoring technologies to enhance rail corridor safety and service reliability.
Speaking at the 16th International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum (IIICF) in Macao, China, the minister highlighted the country’s renewed drive for modern, secure, and sustainable rail transport, underpinned by strong international partnerships.
“Infrastructure is not just about tracks and trains. For our railway system to function optimally, there is a need for investments in dedicated power supply schemes, integrated security solutions, and real-time monitoring systems to secure the corridors and ensure reliable service delivery. These are areas ripe for private sector participation and public-private partnerships,” he said.
The minister emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to sustainability, noting that the country is already retrofitting its locomotives to accommodate hybrid propulsion systems powered by Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).
He lauded China as “a trusted friend and partner,” adding that Nigeria is seeking deeper collaboration with the Asian giant “to build not just railways, but bridges of opportunity, peace, and shared progress.”
Alkali encouraged global stakeholders to view Nigeria not just as a market, but as a strategic hub for regional connectivity in Africa. “Together, through enhanced connectivity and win-win cooperation, we can build a future where our railways and other modes of land transport carry not just goods and people, but also the promise of a prosperous tomorrow,” he said.
Addressing the forum’s theme, Alkali noted that said that no economy thrives in isolation, and connectivity and cooperation especially in transport infrastructure are essential for inclusive development.
“Nigeria has found such cooperation in its partnership with the People’s Republic of China,” he said.
“Through deliberate collaboration anchored in mutual respect and shared interests, Nigeria and China have embarked on transformational infrastructure projects that are enhancing regional integration, unlocking economic potential, and delivering tangible benefits to our people.”
He cited the Lagos–Kano Standard Gauge Railway as a flagship project under Nigeria’s railway modernization programme, executed by China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC).
The project is segmented into key phases: Abuja–Kaduna Line: Operational since 2016, providing vital passenger and cargo movement in the north; Lagos–Ibadan Line: Completed in 2021 and currently boosting commercial activity between Lagos and inland cities; Kaduna–Kano Line: Under construction, with notable progress despite funding constraints.
Alkali emphasised the strategic importance of completing the final link, the Ibadan–Minna–Abuja segment, to unlock the full value of the corridor. “We call on our Chinese partners to once again lend their support, both financial and technical, to bring this critical segment to life,” he appealed.
He described the Nigeria-China railway corporation as a model for transformative bilateral partnerships that align with China’s Belt and Road Initiative while deepening trade and cultural ties.
Alkali also unveiled a list of investment-ready standard gauge rail corridors, backed by completed feasibility studies: Port Harcourt–Maiduguri Line with Branches (2,163km); Aba–Owerri–Nnewi–Onitsha–Awka–Enugu–Abakaliki Corridor (254km); Kano–Nguru–Gashua–Damaturu–Gamboru-Ngala Line (740km); Lagos–Ibadan–Abuja High-Speed Rail (605km); Illela–Sokoto–Jega–Yauri–Makera–Minna Line (408km); Zaria–Funtua–Kaura Namoda–Sokoto–Birnin Koni (520km) and Calabar–Ikom–Obudu–Ogoja–Wukari–Yola–Maiduguri Route
He also pointed to opportunities in the concessioning of existing narrow-gauge lines, particularly the Lagos–Kano Western Line, stressing that these corridors span key mineral, agricultural, and commercial zones and offer “tremendous return on investment for any committed partner.”
“Nigeria remains open and eager to attract strategic partners,” he concluded, “to develop additional corridors and achieve our broader transportation and economic development goals.”