The Federal Government and the United States are joining forces to enhance skills in Nigeria’s transportation sector, aiming to improve efficiency and drive economic growth. This collaboration was highlighted during a strategic meeting in Abuja between Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), and Toks Omishakin, Secretary of the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA).
A statement issued on Sunday by NiDCOM’s Media, Public Relations, and Protocols Unit shared details of the meeting. Dabiri-Erewa emphasized the importance of targeted investment in training programs to equip Nigerians with the technical skills necessary to enhance productivity in the transport sector. She noted that these efforts align with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of transforming Nigeria into a trillion-dollar economy.
“Investing in skill development is essential for improving transportation efficiency and achieving our economic objectives,” Dabiri-Erewa said. She also called for the involvement of organizations like the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria in collaborative research and training initiatives.
Omishakin expressed concerns about the environmental challenges posed by transport-related pollution and stressed the need for sustainable practices to improve air quality and public health. He emphasized the importance of cooperation to address these issues and highlighted CalSTA’s commitment to strengthening ties with Nigeria.
Omishakin also discussed CalSTA’s interest in leveraging the expertise of the Nigerian diaspora in infrastructure and economic development, particularly through knowledge and skills transfer. He expressed interest in collaborating with Nigerian universities, such as the University of Lagos, to develop advanced training programs for students. Additionally, he noted that CalSTA is ready to invest in Nigerian states that align with California’s strengths in technology, energy, and green jobs.
Aditya Ramji, Director of the Global South Clean Transportation Center, supported the focus on training, noting its importance in building local capacity to drive climate action, especially among youth. He explained that the proposed programs would provide Master’s and PhD students with the skills needed to address Nigeria’s transportation challenges.
The California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) is a cabinet-level body responsible for developing and coordinating transportation policies and programs that ensure safe, sustainable, and affordable mobility for California’s residents.
