Former President Muhammadu Buhari has described former minister of transportation and ex-governor of Rivers State, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, as “a golden fish” and a key asset in his administration, especially in the drive to revive Nigeria’s dilapidated transport infrastructure.
Buhari made the remarks in a congratulatory message to Amaechi on his 60th birthday, lauding his contributions to national development during his tenure as a cabinet minister.
“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,” Buhari said.
He credited Amaechi with overseeing the completion of long-abandoned railway projects, transforming them into major transit hubs, and initiating new ones that improved the nation’s transportation landscape.
The railway system, which used to be the heartbeat of several towns and cities, killed and buried for decades, opened a new chapter under his leadership,” Buhari noted.
“Faithfully serving millions of Nigerians, the system increased network capacity for passenger and freight services, introduced new rolling stock, and enhanced safety.”
The former president praised Amaechi’s unwavering dedication to duty, saying his time as transport minister marked a new era for Nigeria’s railway infrastructure — one that helped rekindle public trust in government-led development projects.
“Amaechi was not only a golden fish whose efforts could not be hidden, but he was an asset to my government. I wish him and his family many happy years ahead,” Buhari added.
