The Federal Government of Nigeria and the United States are collaborating to enhance skills in the transport sector, focusing on boosting efficiency, sustainability, and economic growth.
This partnership was a key point of discussion during a meeting in Abuja between Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), and Dr. Toks Omishakin, Secretary of the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA).
In a statement issued by NiDCOM’s Media Unit on Sunday, Dabiri-Erewa stressed the importance of investment in skill development to improve productivity in transportation. She highlighted the alignment of these efforts with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of transforming Nigeria into a trillion-dollar economy.
“Investing in skill development is key to enhancing transportation efficiency and achieving our economic goals,” she stated, advocating for the involvement of agencies like the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) in joint research and training initiatives.
Dr. Omishakin addressed environmental challenges caused by transport-related pollution, emphasizing the adoption of sustainable practices to improve air quality and public health. He outlined CalSTA’s commitment to fostering stronger ties with Nigeria through knowledge and skill transfer.
Omishakin expressed interest in collaborating with Nigerian institutions like the University of Lagos to develop advanced training programs. He also indicated CalSTA’s willingness to invest in Nigerian states whose industries align with California’s expertise in technology, energy, and green jobs.
Dr. Aditya Ramji, Director of the Global South Clean Transportation Center, noted the critical role of training in building local capacity. He revealed plans to equip Master’s and PhD students with skills to address Nigeria’s transport challenges, particularly in climate-friendly innovations.
CalSTA, a cabinet-level body in California, oversees transportation policies and programs aimed at ensuring safe, sustainable, and affordable mobility. The agency aims to leverage Nigerian diaspora expertise to drive infrastructure and economic development in Nigeria.