Nigeria and United States Partnering to Boost Skills in Transportation Sector – Abike Dabiri

The Federal Government of Nigeria and the United States are working together to improve skills in the transportation sector, with the goal of increasing efficiency and driving economic growth. This collaboration was emphasized during a strategic meeting between Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), and Dr. Toks Omishakin, the Secretary of the California State Transportation Agency, held in Abuja.

In a statement released on Sunday by NiDCOM’s Media, Public Relations, and Protocols Unit, Dabiri-Erewa underlined the importance of targeted investments in training programs for Nigerians. The aim is to equip them with the technical expertise needed to boost productivity in the transport sector.

She noted 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 stated.

She emphasized the importance of involving organizations such as the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria in joint research and training initiatives. These collaborative efforts aim to enhance skills and efficiency in the transportation sector, ultimately contributing to economic growth.

In response, Dr. Toks Omishakin, Secretary of the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA), expressed concerns about the environmental impact of transport-related pollution and underscored the need for sustainable practices to improve air quality and public health.

Omishakin stressed the significance of collaboration in addressing these challenges and highlighted CalSTA’s dedication to strengthening its relationship with Nigeria. He explained that CalSTA seeks to capitalize on the knowledge and expertise of the Nigerian diaspora in infrastructure and economic development, particularly through skill and knowledge transfer.

He expressed interest in partnering with Nigerian tertiary institutions, such as the University of Lagos, to create advanced training programs for students. These programs aim to equip the next generation of professionals with the skills necessary to tackle Nigeria’s transport challenges and promote climate action.

Omishakin stated that CalSTA is prepared to invest in Nigerian states with sectors that are aligned with California’s strengths in technology, energy, and green jobs.

Dr. Aditya Ramji, Director of the Global South Clean Transportation Center, echoed the importance of training in building local capacity and fostering climate action among youth. He explained that proposed programs would focus on providing Master’s and PhD students with the necessary skills and knowledge to address Nigeria’s pressing transport issues.

The California State Transportation Agency is a cabinet-level body responsible for developing and coordinating transportation policies and programs to ensure safe, sustainable, and affordable mobility for California’s residents.

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