UK, Lagos advocate partnership on road infrastructure

His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner in Africa, John Humphrey, said road infrastructure plays a critical role in stimulating economic growth and connecting people.

He said this during a courtesy visit to the Oyingbo Train Station in Lagos.
He stated the impact of the train would be beneficial to the state’s operations and that he looks forward to knowing the social impact of the train infrastructure.
Noting that the vibrancy in Lagos has a huge transformation impact on the local economy and people’s lives, he added that what makes trade sustainable is its profitability for both parties, while adding that Nigeria is one of the UK’s biggest trading partners in Africa.

He expressed excitement for the UK’s part in the acquisition of the rail but more on the training and educational aspects.

While welcoming the UK delegation, Managing Director, First Metro Infrastructure Limited, Adebola Adeyinka, stated that the firm is committed to transformative projects that address challenges of the state such as traffic issues and lay the groundwork for a prosperous future.

On the reasons for partnering with the UK, he said infrastructure of this nature comes with its peculiarities and the partnership is suitable for the timeframe and needed facility.

He noted that First Global, the parent body of First Metro, is spearheading initiatives that address critical skill gaps and are engaging in vocational education systems and providing high-quality internationally accredited curriculum for teachers and by extension students to compete effectively in the fourth industrial revolution.

“As we look to foster collaboration between private partners at First Metro, government agencies and the UK, we call on the Department of International Trade to support the facilitation of ease of doing business and producing impactful results,” he said.

Managing Director, Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Fidet Okhiria, represented by Deputy Director Operations, Olusoji Osidipe, emphasised that metro systems are a vital solution to traffic issues worldwide.

He added that major means of mass transportation, such as the ongoing efforts in Lagos State with the development of the Red Line and Blue Line are crucial.