Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON, Vice President of Nigeria, is a seasoned leader with a background in agricultural economics, banking, and public service. Formerly Governor of Borno State (2011-2019) and Senator for Borno Central (2019-2023), he drives economic reforms and sustainable development under President Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda. At the 2nd International Railway Conference & Expo 2025, to be held on September 15-16 at Ladi Kwali Hall, Abuja Continental Hotel, he will share insights on Nigeria's rail modernization.

His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, is a visionary leader and reform-minded statesman serving as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. With a distinguished record of transformative leadership, he has become a pivotal figure in Africa's pursuit of integrated development, sustainable infrastructure, and economic revitalization. As the keynote speaker at the 2nd International Railway Conference & Expo 2025, President Tinubu brings a global perspective and practical experience to discussions on Africa's transportation future.
Since assuming office, President Tinubu has championed the Renewed Hope Agenda, a national framework driving economic transformation through bold investments in critical infrastructure, with a strong emphasis on rail development as a catalyst for regional connectivity, industrialization, and inclusive growth. His administration has prioritized the rehabilitation and modernization of Nigeria's railway network, as evidenced by projects such as the Kano-Maradi Standard Gauge Railway by Mota-Engil Nigeria Ltd., the Kaduna-Kano Standard Gauge Project by CCECC, and the rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt-Aba Narrow Gauge Railway by CCECC. Recognizing the vital role of rail transportation in enhancing trade logistics, his government is focused on upgrading existing corridors, expanding intra- and intercity rail lines, and advancing strategic plans for high-speed rail integration.
President Tinubu's reforms has fostered an attractive environment for private investment, paving the way for public-private partnerships essential to sustainable infrastructure delivery. His participation in the conference marks a defining moment for Africa's transport sector, as he will witness the presentation of the proposed visionary project-the continent's first and the world's second 4,000 km/h high-speed rail system, developed in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Transportation and De-Sadel Consortium. This ambitious initiative symbolizes the potential of visionary leadership, technical expertise, and international collaboration.
With a deep commitment to infrastructure as a means to unite people, open markets, and drive long-term prosperity, President Tinubu leads with purpose and integrity. His keynote address will set the stage for meaningful dialogue, bold action, and a renewed vision for the future of railway transportation across Africa.

Vice President Han Zheng has been a leading figure in China's railway development, playing a crucial role in the growth of China's world-leading high-speed rail network. Under his leadership, China has developed the largest and fastest high-speed rail system globally, covering over 4,000 kilometers and setting a benchmark for modern rail infrastructure worldwide.
Vice President Han has also been a strong advocate for China's Belt and Road Initiative, promoting international cooperation in rail development. His leadership has been instrumental in facilitating China-Nigeria collaboration, supporting the modernization of Nigeria's railway network, including the Lagos-Ibadan and Abuja-Kaduna standard-gauge lines.
At the 2nd International Railway Conference & Expo 2025, Vice President Han will share valuable insights from China's high-speed rail success and highlight future opportunities for cooperation in global rail infrastructure development.

Senator Sa'id Ahmed Alkali, a former Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and appointed Minister of Transportation in August 2023, is a key figure in Nigeria's rail rehabilitation and modernization. Under President Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, he drives transformative rail initiatives. Since assuming office, he has advanced freight services along the Lagos-Ibadan railway corridor, commenced passenger services on the Port Harcourt-Aba railway corridor, and launched a retrofitted dual-fuel locomotive at Idu Train Station in Abuja, enhancing sustainability. His leadership has also secured progress on the Kano-Maradi rail project, boosting economic connectivity between Nigeria and its West African neighbor.
As the host and welcome speaker at the 2nd International Railway Conference & Expo, scheduled for 15th-16th September 2025 at Ladi Kwali Hall, Abuja Continental Hotel, Senator Alkali will highlight Nigeria's rail advancements and foster global collaboration. The conference is pivotal for him, reflecting his commitment to sustainable rail systems and Nigeria's role in revolutionizing African transport through innovation and partnerships with De-Sadel Consortium and other stakeholders.

Muhammad Adamu Aliero (born 1 January 1957) is a Nigerian politician who has been the senator representing Kebbi Central senatorial district since 2015. He is also the Chairman Senate Committee on Land Transport.
He previously served in that position from 2007 to 2008. Aliero served as the governor of Kebbi State from 1999 to 2007. He is a member of the People's Democratic Party (PDP).
Aliero was appointed minister of the Federal Capital Territory by President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua in December 2008. He left office in March 2010 when Acting President Goodluck Jonathan dissolved his cabinet.

Hon. Blessing Onuh is a Nigerian Politician from Benue State representing Otukpo/Ohimini Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.
In 2015, she was appointed Special Assistant to the Minister of State for Education and was later appointed as Special Assistant to the Minister of Inter-Governmental, Local Government and Special Duties. She also served as Acting Chairman, Federal Capital Territory Committee.
In 2023, Onuh was reelected into 10th House of the Representatives and became the Chairperson of the House Committee on Land Transport.
Honourable Blessing On uh would be delivering paper on Legislative Support for Railway Development in Nigeria.

Musa O. Ibrahim. Born on the 24th of November, 1965. Attended Sacred heart primary school, Ankpa. 1971 to 1977. Government secondary school, Garagboghol. 1982., Bauchi college of Arts and science, 1985. Bayero university, kano, 1988. University of Clermont Ferrand, France, 2006.
Started work with the Federal ministry of trade and tourism, 1990. Posted to federal ministry of solid minerals development, posted to National sports commission, worked as consultant intern with the United Nations Economic commission for Africa in Addis Ababa Ethiopia in 2007.. Served as the head of Administration in the National Malaria control program 2008 to 2009. Head, international cooperation in federal ministry of health from 2009 to 2018. Headed the secretariat team of the federal ministry of health to the world Health Assembly in New York for six years. Fostered several collaborations between Nigeria and many countries in the health sector. One of such collaborations led to the establishment of Jabi federal medical center by the Chinese, and the free supply of certain class of drugs such as Atequick for treatment of malaria by the Chinese government. Collaboration between Nigeria and India in the area of health was highest in my time, as our efforts led to the free supply of covid 19 vaccines by the Indian Government to Nigeria health sector at the peak of the covid challenge. Became the Director, Road transport and mass transit Administration department in August. 2022
Successfully settled several inter union differences between some stake holders in the transport sector. Improving on the inter state road transport scheme among the west African countries by harmonizing smooth operations in the Lakaji corridor. Became the DOOPS on the 8th February, 2025. He is a development expert, and has effectively used his development initiatives to bring positive changes to any office he ever finds himself.

Hon. Dr. Kayode Opeifa is a highly respected Nigerian professional and politician with extensive experience in transportation and railway development. With a background in transport and logistics, Dr. Opeifa has played a pivotal role in Nigeria's railway transformation.

As Managing Director of the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRG), he has been instrumental in overseeing key projects, including the modernization of the Lagos-Ibadan and Warri-ltakpe standard-gauge lines. He has also contributed to the development of the Lagos-Kano and Kano-Maradi rail corridors. His work at the NRG has focused on driving efficiency, innovation, and expanding Nigeria's rail network to enhance regional connectivity and economic growth.

Dr. Opeifa's experience and leadership in the rail transport sector, alongside his role in the Federal Capital Territory and various strategic boards, make him a key speaker at the 2nd International Railway Conference & Expo 2025. His participation underscores Nigeria's commitment to advancing modern railway infrastructure, providing valuable insights into the nation's ongoing reforms and vision for a more interconnected Africa

Samuel Uko, a distinguished leader in infrastructure development, is the major collaborator for the 2nd International Railway Conference & Expo 2025. Mr Uko has been on the fore front of Bullet Train development in Nigeria since 2015. So far, He has obtained an Outline Business Case Certificate (OBC) from Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) and is currently developing the Full Business Case(FBC) for the Proposed Project.
Mr Uko being the CEO/MD of Dessadel is leading the Consortium to achieve this proposed project in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Transportation through Public Private Partnership (PPP). With His Expertise, and Innovation Mr Uko will be making a detailed presentation of the proposed 4,000km, 350km/ph High Speed Rail at the event. This proposed project promises to redefine regional connectivity, boost trade, foster sustainable economic growth and reduce travel time across the Continent and beyond.
His address will highlight the technical, economic, and social impacts of this ambitious high-speed rail system, showcasing the power of collaboration and innovation in shaping Africa's transportation future.