The Federal Government and the United States are collaborating to enhance skills in the transportation sector, aiming to drive efficiency and economic growth.

This partnership was highlighted during a strategic meeting between the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, and Secretary of the California State Transportation Agency, Dr Toks Omishakin, held in Abuja.

In a statement issued on Sunday by NiDCOM’s Media, Public Relations, and Protocols Unit, Dabiri-Erewa emphasised the need for targeted investment in training programs to equip Nigerians with the technical expertise necessary for improving 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 called for the inclusion of organisations such as the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria in joint research and training efforts.

Omishakin expressed concerns about environmental challenges caused by transport-related pollution and stressed the importance of adopting sustainable practices to improve air quality and public health.

He underscored the need for collaboration to tackle these issues and highlighted CalSTA’s commitment to fostering stronger ties with Nigeria.

Omishakin explained that CalSTA seeks to leverage the expertise of the Nigerian diaspora in infrastructure and economic development, particularly through knowledge and skill transfer.

He indicated interest in collaborating with Nigerian tertiary institutions, such as the University of Lagos, to develop advanced training programs for students.

He also stated that CalSTA is prepared 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, agreed that training is vital for building local capacity to promote climate action among youth.

He noted that proposed programs would focus on equipping Master’s and PhD students with the skills needed to address Nigeria’s transport challenges.

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.