The Federal Government of Nigeria has assured the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) of its readiness to partner and welcome investments for the development and management of infrastructure in the transportation sector.
The Hon. Minister of Transportation, Sen. Said Alkali, made this Known yesterday, when he received a delegation from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development in his office.
The Minister who was represented by the Director Overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Musa Ibrahim affirmed that, Nigerian Government is open to investments in the sector, hence, will welcome the intervention of EBRD in a lot of areas to advance developmental projects that will benefit Nigerians.
Talks also covered technical assistance and potential areas of cooperation to advance development in the rail transport service and bring it to international standard by maintaining and repositioning all rail infrastructure, improve on security, thereby, building trust and confidence in the minds of rail transport users to maintain business and add to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
The Minister noted that, apart from the railway modernization projects of linking the ports to the rail corridors and ensure sustainable growth of the country’s railway network, the Ministry also needs intervention in starting all the Coastal Rail lines pointing out that, Port Harcourt to Maiduguri railway project also have funding challenges.
Speaking further, Sen. Alkali urged the delegation to intervene in the area of electric buses, thereby bringing about a transition to improve energy efficiency, as well as promoting the broader shift to a more environmentally friendly form of transportation.
“There is need for interconnectivity as well. We need a modern bus terminal to develop an intelligent transport sector.” He added.
The initiative the Hon. Minister said, include but not limited to capacity building of staff of the sector, implementing Transportation Data Bank centres as well as building research centers for the Ministry’s institutes.
The leader of the delegation, Dr.Heike Harmgart. Managing Director, Sub – Saharan Africa (SSA) expressed keen interest in supporting Nigeria’s infrastructural development and reiterated its readiness to provide the necessary assistance and services needed.
She lauded Nigeria’s membership as a historic development saying: “I am happy to welcome Nigeria as a shareholder of the Bank. We look forward to launching our office in Lagos. Our objective will be to leverage our expertise to support sustainable economic growth in Nigeria.”
Signed
Janet McDickson.
Director Press & PR
