- On behalf of the FCT Administration and the residents of the Federal Capital Territory, it is my distinct honour and pleasure to be with you today for this 2° International Railway Conference and Exhibition.
- Permit me to begin by welcoming to Abuja, our beautiful capital city, all delegates, resource persons, investors, exhibitors, participants and other stakeholders, who have travelled from across Nigeria and indeed from beyond our national borders to be here for this auspicious event.
- I welcome especially the Ministers of transport from several African countries here gathered this morning.
- also wish to commend and congratulate the Hon. Minister of Transportation of Nigeria, Engr. Muazu Jaji Sambo, the President and members of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry and other organising partners for the foresight in putting together this conference and recognising its potentials in the efforts to transform the African economy.
- Iam aquite excited about the theme of this year’s convergence which is “Powering AfCFTA with Sustainable Railway Development” as it seeks to bring to the fore, the enormous capabilities of the rail transport system in encouraging trade and opening up business and investment opportunities between African countries and amongst the people of Africa.
- This 2022 event, | am also aware is a platform to recalibrate the significance of railway connectivity to the realisation of African economic integration through the African Continental Free Trade Area.
- It is a gathering where potential investors will interact directly with national government leaders, financers, manufacturers and other stakeholders with the aim of making the best use of the railways as a tool for fostering African economic integration.
- We are indeed quite delighted that what could turn out to be the beginning of the new African economic rebirth is taking place here in Abuja and we intend to make the best use of the opportunities this gathering has brought to us, as we seek out new partnerships and investors to boost the development of the rail transport sector in Abuja.
- Although still in its infancy, we have big plans for the Abuja Rail Mass Transit system and are working hard to ensure its growth into becoming one of the best managed rail systems not just in our country but indeed on the continent, as we work on a business model to effectively harness the huge commercial poientials of the Abuja Rail Corridor.
- Ladies and gentlemen, as you brainstorm on fast tracking rail connectivity to meet the demands of African Continental Free Trade Area, it is imperative to focus on issues such as, financing, the need for continental railway standardisation and closer economic bloc collaboration in the railway development process.
VW. We most certainly look forward to the outcomes and resolutions of this gathering with the belief that if will serve as a pointer to a very bright future hinged on continental collaboration and cooperation.
- It is on this note that | once more welcome you to Abuja and wish you all a rewarding and productive convergence.
- Thank you for your valued attention and may God bless us all. MMB
