The Federal Government is partnering with the United States to boost skill development within the transportation sector, with the goal of enhancing efficiency and driving economic growth.
This collaboration was emphasized during a key meeting between Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission and Dr. Toks Omishakin, the Secretary of the California State Transportation Agency in Abuja.
A statement from NiDCOM’s Media, Public Relations, and Protocols Unit released on Sunday highlighted Dabiri-Erewa’s focus on the importance of targeted investments in training programs.
She stressed that these initiatives would provide Nigerians with the technical expertise required to enhance productivity in the transportation industry, aligning 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 affirmed.
She also advocated for the inclusion of organizations like the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria in collaborative research and training programs.
Dr. Omishakin raised concerns about the environmental impact of transportation-related pollution, emphasizing the necessity of sustainable practices to improve air quality and public health.
He stressed the importance of a collaborative approach to address these challenges and expressed CalSTA’s commitment to deepening ties with Nigeria.
Omishakin also highlighted CalSTA’s intention to tap into the expertise of Nigeria’s diaspora, particularly in infrastructure and economic development, focusing on knowledge and skill transfer.
He expressed interest in partnering with Nigerian universities, such as the University of Lagos, to create advanced training programs for students.
Furthermore, he noted that CalSTA is ready to invest in Nigerian states with sectors that align with California’s strengths in technology, energy, and green jobs.
Director of the Global South Clean Transportation Center, Dr. Aditya Ramji, echoed the sentiment on the importance of training.
He emphasized that the proposed programs would provide Master’s and PhD students with the necessary skills to address Nigeria’s transport challenges while promoting climate action among the youth.
The California State Transportation Agency, a cabinet-level body, is tasked with developing and coordinating transportation policies and programs to ensure safe, sustainable, and affordable mobility for California’s residents.
