The President of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Chief Emeka Obegolu, SAN, PhD, has reaffirmed the private sector’s commitment to the growth and modernisation of Nigeria’s railway sector.
He made this known while delivering his remarks on day two of the ongoing 2nd Abuja International Railway Conference and Exhibition holding at the Abuja Continental Hotel.
Chief Obegolu, who also leads the Organised Private Sector (OPS) in the FCT, described the conference as “a strategic platform dedicated to connectivity, commerce, and national development,” stressing that railways remain central to industrialisation, trade facilitation, and regional integration in Africa.
Speaking on the theme of this year’s event, “Challenges and Opportunities in Railway Development in Africa: A Call for Investment,” Obegolu, SAN, PhD noted that railways have historically driven economic transformation worldwide by reducing the cost of doing business, opening markets, and creating opportunities for enterprises of all sizes.
He recalled that the maiden edition of the railway conference was hosted at ACCI’s facilities, describing the Chamber’s involvement as consistent with its mandate of promoting trade, investment, and industrial development.
Highlighting ACCI’s contributions to Nigeria’s business landscape, Obegolu, SAN, PhD said the Chamber provides platforms for policy advocacy, networking, and entrepreneurship development through its flagship events such as the Abuja International Trade Fair (AITF) and the Farm, Food, and Allied Technology Expo (FARMFATECH), alongside its four Centres of Excellence, the Dispute Resolution Centre (DRC), Policy Advocacy Centre (PAC), Abuja Trade Centre (ATC), and the Business Entrepreneurship Skills and Technology (BEST) Centre.
According to him, the Chamber’s interest in railway development stems from its potential to “stimulate investment, drive trade, support industries, and create jobs for the wider economy.” He added that the opportunities are vast, ranging from infrastructure financing and technology partnerships to logistics, supply chain efficiency, and SME inclusion.
Chief Obegolu, SAN, PhD urged delegates, exhibitors, and stakeholders to seize the opportunities provided by the conference to build partnerships, exchange innovative ideas, and develop actionable solutions that would strengthen Africa’s railway systems and enhance continental connectivity.
He commended the Federal Ministry of Transportation and De-Sadel Nigeria Ltd. for collaborating with ACCI in convening the forum, assuring that the organised private sector will continue to play a critical role in advancing sustainable transport systems in Nigeria and beyond.