The Federal Government of Nigeria and the United States have launched a collaborative effort to enhance skills in the transportation sector, aiming to drive economic growth and improve efficiency. This partnership was highlighted during a strategic meeting in Abuja between Abike Dabiri-Erewa, CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), and Dr. Toks Omishakin, Secretary of the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA).
In a statement released by NiDCOM on Sunday, Dabiri-Erewa emphasized the need for targeted investment in skill development programs to equip Nigerians with the technical expertise necessary to improve productivity in the transport sector. She reiterated that such initiatives align with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of transforming Nigeria into a trillion-dollar economy.
“Investing in skill development is key to enhancing efficiency in transportation and achieving our economic goals,” Dabiri-Erewa said. She also called for the inclusion of organizations like the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria in joint research and training efforts.
Dr. Omishakin expressed concerns over the environmental challenges caused by transport-related pollution and underscored the importance of adopting sustainable practices to improve air quality and public health. He emphasized the need for cooperation between the U.S. and Nigeria to tackle these issues and highlighted CalSTA’s commitment to strengthening ties with Nigeria.
Omishakin further explained that CalSTA seeks to leverage the expertise of the Nigerian diaspora, especially in infrastructure and economic development, through knowledge and skill transfer. He also expressed interest in collaborating with Nigerian universities, such as the University of Lagos, to develop advanced training programs for students in the transport sector.
Additionally, CalSTA is prepared to invest in Nigerian states with sectors that align with California’s strengths in technology, energy, and green jobs, fostering growth in these critical areas.
Dr. Aditya Ramji, Director of the Global South Clean Transportation Center, echoed the importance of training in building local capacity to promote climate action. He indicated that proposed programs would focus on equipping graduate students with the necessary skills to address Nigeria’s transport challenges.
The collaboration between the Nigerian government and CalSTA aims to create long-term solutions for the country’s transport sector while enhancing environmental sustainability, ultimately contributing to Nigeria’s economic and social development.
