FG approves $3bn for completion of eastern rail projects — Minister

The federal government has approved $3 billion for the completion of the Eastern Rail Projects, the Minister of Transportation, Senator Said Ahmed Alkali, has announced.

Senator Alkali said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is undertaking an unprecedented transformation of the transportation sector as part of a strategic effort to unlock critical infrastructure that will drive national economic growth.

Speaking at the opening of the 5th Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology (NITT) Stakeholders’ Summit and Awards held at NICON Luxury Hotel, Abuja, the Minister disclosed that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved the funds in addition to ongoing efforts to complete the 284-kilometre Kano–Katsina–Maradi Standard Gauge Rail Project and the Kaduna–Kano rail line.

The 2025 summit, themed “Building Sustainable Transport and Logistics Infrastructure in Nigeria: Current Trends and Future Insights,” focused on strengthening the country’s logistics and transport systems for long-term development.

Senator Alkali noted that infrastructure development must go beyond physical construction to ensure that projects are “smart, inclusive, and sustainable” to meet the nation’s evolving needs.He commended President Tinubu and the Director General of the NITT for their commitment to revitalising the transport sector, which he described as the lifeblood of Nigeria’s economy. The Minister also highlighted the recent approval of the National Land Transport Policy by the FEC as another major milestone in the sector’s reform agenda.

On additional initiatives, Alkali said the government is upgrading the national pipeline transport network to enhance the efficient movement of oil and gas under the ongoing rail modernisation projects.

“This initiative will strengthen energy security, reduce dependence on road-based haulage, and promote environmental sustainability by cutting emissions from heavy-duty trucks.“The future of transport is being shaped by innovation, and Nigeria is not left behind. Just a few months ago, at NITT headquarters in Zaria, we witnessed a landmark achievement — the successful test flight of drones developed by NITT engineers.

“This milestone underscores our readiness to embrace indigenous technology. From drone systems that enhance logistics and emission monitoring, to intelligent transport systems and blockchain-enabled supply chains, the future we are building is both smart and homegrown.”

In his remarks, the Director-General of NITT, Dr Bayero Salih Farah, said the summit provided a timely platform to “bring together stakeholders, policymakers, researchers, investors, operators, and leaders of thought in the transport and logistics sector.”

“It is a forum to reflect on where we are, identify what must be done, and chart a clear path for the future of a sector that remains central to national development, regional integration, and global competitiveness,” he said.

Dr Farah, who highlighted the commitments of the NITT towards fulfilling its mandate, said, “The global transport and logistics sector is rapidly evolving, shaped by digital transformation, sustainability imperatives, and the growing demand for resilient infrastructure.

“Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data analytics, blockchain, and the Internet of Things are redefining supply chains and mobility. Equally, the urgency of addressing climate change and the global transition to low-carbon economies are reshaping the way nations plan, construct, and operate transport systems.”

He assured that the NITT would leave no stone unturned to ensure that the ongoing reforms in the sector succeed and yield the desired results. He praised President Tinubu and the Minister of Transportation, Senator Alkali, for their support and commitment to the development of the transport and logistics sector.

FG approves $3bn for completion of eastern rail projects — Minister - The Nation Newspaper