FG woos states, private sector participation in railway services
By Desmond Ejibas
The Federal Government has called on the state governments and the private sector to actively participate in efforts to improve railway services across the country.
Dr Kayode Opeifa, Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), made the call on Tuesday during an inspection of facilities at the Port Harcourt railway station.
He stated that enhanced involvement by both state authorities and private investors would significantly revitalise the railway sector, thereby contributing to economic growth.
“There participation will align with the Renewed Hope Agenda to restore the railway to its rightful place within the nation’s transport infrastructure,” he said.
Opeifa explained that his visit to Port Harcourt formed part of a broader assessment of operational conditions along the Eastern corridor, which spans from Port Harcourt to Maiduguri, and from Port Harcourt to Warri.
He noted that one of the purposes of the visit was to evaluate how the Rivers government could participate in rail operations within its jurisdiction.
“The narrow-gauge tracks pass through Port Harcourt to Aba, so the state government can also participate by operating the rail route from Port Harcourt to Aba.
“Plateau state has already commenced the ‘Rail on the Plateau’ initiative, so, we are keen to see what the Rivers State Government will come up with.
“We also appeal to capable private sector actors to invest in coaches and locomotives,” he added.
The NRC managing director reported that the Port Harcourt to Aba railway route was operating smoothly, and that construction would soon commence on the Enugu-Maiduguri segment of the project.
Opeifa also disclosed that plans were underway to link both the Eastern and Western rail corridors via water, using an integrated multi-boarded transport system.
“The Port Harcourt-Aba-Enugu route falls within the Enugu corridor. Our purpose here is to assess the progress and relevance of the ongoing narrow-gauge construction.
“Although, the construction has reached Aba, we are optimistic that work on the Enugu section will soon accelerate,” he said. (NAN)
Edited by Jane-Frances Oraka
Earlier, the Chairman of the Institute, Dr Hope Uweja, commended the establishment of State Health Insurance Schemes across Nigeria, describing them as key drivers in the country’s pursuit of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
This shift, he said, is driven largely by international drug trafficking networks which promise high returns, but expose young people to the risks of arrest, violence, and exploitation. 
Shehu underscored the need for support from policymakers, traditional and religious leaders, civil society, and the private sector. 
He emphasised the importance of focusing on practical, inclusive, and climate-smart solutions. 
Cofie highlighted IWMI’s role in developing Nigeria’s flood early warning and anticipatory response system, known as the AWARE platform. 
Dr Jumoke Oduwole, Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, said the ministry had harmonised its policies to align with the ECOWAS Investment Code and Policy, and the African Continental Free Trade Authority (AfCFTA).
According to the minister, the TRIMING project, which spanned more than seven years, delivered notable achievements, including the completion of the Dadin-Kowa and Bakolori irrigation schemes and 90 per cent completion of the Middle Rima Valley irrigation project. 
Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno, raised concerns over the shrinking farming seasons caused by climate change, warning that unpredictable rainfall patterns were creating uncertainty among farmers.
Arcieri emphasised the role of young professionals in driving sustainable solutions to the continent’s water challenges.
Also, the mother of the young artist, Dr Sylvia Tagbo-Okeke, said children with special needs require individualised care, attention, and accommodations for them to feel included and motivated to manifest their God-given talents.