As former Rivers State Governor and Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, celebrates his 60th birthday, former President Muhammadu Buhari has paid glowing tribute to his contributions to Nigeria’s infrastructure development.
In a statement issued on Wednesday through his former spokesperson, Garba Shehu, Buhari referred to Amaechi as a “golden fish” and an indispensable part of his administration, especially for his role in revitalising Nigeria’s moribund railway sector.
Buhari emphasized that Amaechi played a key role in the revival and modernisation of Nigeria’s rail system, breathing new life into projects that had long been abandoned.
“Amaechi shared with me the aspiration of strengthening infrastructure, bridging the nation’s long-delayed gaps through the railway, a vital component, leading to its revival from a comatose state, completion of abandoned projects, turning them into major transit hubs, and initiating major ones across the country, some of which were driven to completion before he left office,” Buhari said.
He highlighted how the rail system, which had been dormant for decades, began to function again under Amaechi’s watch, becoming an essential part of the country’s transport network.
“Under him, the nation witnessed a new era of railway infrastructure. I wish him and his family many happy years ahead.”
According to Buhari, Amaechi’s efforts not only brought long-neglected projects to life but also improved rail connectivity and services for both passengers and cargo across Nigeria.
“The railway network, which used to be the heartbeat of many towns and cities but was killed and buried for decades, began a new chapter under Amaechi’s leadership,” he said.
Buhari added that the sector experienced growth in capacity, enhanced safety measures, and the introduction of modern rolling stock and new services, enabling millions of Nigerians to benefit from improved transportation.
Rotimi Amaechi served as Nigeria’s Minister of Transportation from 2015 to 2023.
Prior to that, he was the Governor of Rivers State from 2007 to 2015 and earlier, the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly from 1999 to 2007.
