New National Land Transport Policy Approved To Enhance Road Safety In Nigeria.
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has given its approval to the groundbreaking National Land Transport Policy, a move set to revolutionise road safety and regulation across Nigeria, according to the Minister of Transportation, Senator Said Ahmed Alkali. This landmark policy, described as the first of its kind in the nation’s history, aims to address longstanding challenges in the transport sector and unlock its untapped potential.
Speaking to members of the Abuja Transport and Aviation Correspondents Association (ATACA) in Abuja, Senator Alkali highlighted the policy’s focus on creating a safer, more efficient, and sustainable land transport system. He noted that the transport sector, often the most burdened mode of transportation globally, requires a robust framework to operate effectively. “This policy will harness the sector’s potential by providing a clear regulatory structure,” Alkali stated, adding that it will pave the way for private sector investment and the integration of modern technologies, including cleaner energy solutions.
A key component of the policy is the government’s plan to construct six new bus terminals, one in each of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, as part of a pilot scheme. These terminals will feature Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) stations and security posts to tackle issues such as drug abuse, which the minister identified as a major cause of road traffic accidents. “We’ve observed that most accidents are linked to drug abuse,” Alkali explained. To enhance safety further, the government will mandate passenger manifests for all buses, whether publicly or privately owned, ensuring greater accountability and security on the roads.
The minister also revealed that the locations for the bus terminals have been selected based on their economic viability, with plans to collaborate with the World Bank to expand the initiative. These terminals are expected to set a new standard for transport infrastructure in Nigeria, incorporating modern facilities to improve passenger experience and safety.
Beyond road transport, the policy addresses challenges in the rail sector. Alkali highlighted progress on the Eastern narrow-gauge corridor from Port Harcourt to Aba, noting that the project has advanced significantly under the current administration. “When we came in, the project was just on the outskirts of Port Harcourt, but we’ve now extended it to Aba,” he said, underscoring the government’s commitment to improving connectivity across the country.
The minister emphasised that transportation is a vital gateway to economic growth, with the potential to boost livelihoods and drive national development. The new policy is designed to align with global conventions and regional agreements, fostering an enabling environment for investment and innovation in the sector. “A journey of a thousand miles starts with a step,” Alkali remarked, expressing optimism about the transformative impact of the policy.
The approval of the National Land Transport Policy marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to modernise its transport infrastructure, enhance road safety, and promote sustainable economic growth. With the government’s commitment to implementing these reforms, Nigerians can look forward to a safer and more efficient transport system in the years to come.
