The federal government says the nation is witnessing a quiet revolution in the rail transport sector as the 284-kilometre Kano–Maradi standard gauge and Kaduna–Kano rail projects are nearing completion.

The Minister of Transportation, Said Alkali, stated this on Tuesday in Abuja at the Nigeria Transport and Logistics Leadership Summit and Awards 2025.

The summit organised by the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology (NITT) is themed, “Building Sustainable Transport and Logistics Infrastructure in Nigeria: Current Trends and Future Insights.”

Mr Alkali disclosed that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) recently approved $3 billion for the completion of the eastern rail project as a strategic move that would unlock a vital artery for the national economy.

“We are upgrading our national pipeline transport network to ensure the efficient transport of oil and gas under the 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,“ he said.

According to the minister, rail transportation is being shaped by innovation, and Nigeria cannot be left behind.

He pointed out that the successful test flight of drones developed by NITT engineers was a landmark achievement.

The minister stressed that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is committed to transforming Nigeria’s transport and logistics landscape.

“Through strategic investment, sound policy reform, and active collaboration with stakeholders such as those represented here today, we are converting these challenges into historic opportunities.

“Tangible progress is already being recorded across multiple fronts—rail, road, pipeline transportation, and varied innovations that are designed to transform the sector towards more efficient service delivery consistent with international best practices,“ he said.

Mr Alkali, who described transportation as the lifeblood of the national economy, urged stakeholders’ collaborative effort to boost its infrastructure and fast-track its advancement.

“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.

“The partnerships represented in this summit between the public and private sectors, between traditional industries and emerging technology hubs, are vital to scaling innovation and sustaining impact,“ he said.

Earlier, NITT director-general, Bayero Farah, said the summit provided a timely platform to bring together stakeholders, policymakers, researchers, investors, operators, and thought leaders in the transport and logistics sector.

He said the NITT was established as the apex transport and logistics management development institute and has remained steadfast in its mandate of providing leadership, research, training, and capacity building for the sector.

(NAN)