The Minister of Transportation, Senator Said Alkali has sought collaboration with Portuguese firm in the area of Locomotives and coaches refurbishment.
This, he said, was aimed at promoting both passenger, train and freight services in Nigeria.
Alkali made this known in Lisbon, Portuga during a courtesy call to the Director/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Comboios De Portugal, Helena Figuenedo in her Office.
He said Nigeria government’s resolute in its determination to collaborate with Portugal in the area of rail transport.
Alkali in a statement issued on Thursday by Special Assistant, Media and Publicity to the minister, Umar Jibril, said improving rail transport remained one of the key priorities of the Bola Tinubu-led administration.
Against this background, the minister stressed that there was a need for Nigeria to collaborate with developed nations through public Private Partnership (PPP) cannot be over emphasised.
Alkali added: “Nigerian government would be glad to receive a technical and inspection team from the European country to enable them have dialogue in the area of Locomotives and coaches refurbishment aimed at promoting both passenger train and freight services in Nigeria.”
He explained that while passenger trains are meant to render social services to the Nigerian populace, on the other hand, freight services are designed to earn more revenue to the coffers of the Federal government.
Earlier, Figuenedo expressed appreciation over the Nigeria’s delegation visit to Lisbon assuring their unwavering commitment to partner with the West African country.
She pointed out that Portugal had its huge investments in Angola, Mozambique and other countries across the globe.
Figuenedo said the Corporation which was established in 1856 plays a significant role to the socioeconomic growth of the country through strengthening inter connectivity between the country and France as well as Spain.
In his contribution, the Managing Director, Mota Engyl, Mr. Pedro, said it was timely for Nigeria to partner with Portugal for training of its Railway staff to ensure effective and efficient service delivery.
He explained that 80 per cent of the gas being used in Portugal comes from Nigeria, adding that the cordial relationship that exists between the two countries needs to be sustained for prosperity.