The Minister of Transportation, Sen. Said Alkali has heralded the imminent transformation of Nigeria’s land transport sub-sector with the impending launch of the National Land Transport Policy (NLTP), marking a historic milestone in the nation’s transportation sector.
Alkali made this announcement on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, during his keynote address at the stakeholders’ validation forum convened to review and validate the draft NLTP policy document.
Acknowledging the pivotal role of the land transport sub-sector and its current challenges, Sen. Alkali emphasised the significance of developing a policy framework that would drive sustainable growth and development across the transportation landscape.
He highlighted the urgency of the validation process, stressing that the NLTP would serve as a cornerstone for enhancing social, regional, national, and international connectivity, thereby stimulating economic growth in various sectors such as agriculture, commerce, tourism and education.
The stakeholders unanimously agreed that the NLTP would address multifaceted challenges, including congestion, connectivity and sustainability, thereby fostering an inclusive and resilient transport system.
The draft policy provides a comprehensive overview of Nigeria’s land transportation system, including rail, road, and pipeline networks, as well as intermodal connectivity with waterways, seaports and airports. It also proposes policy responses to key issues such as climate change, capacity building, and inclusivity, along with implementation strategies to drive effective outcomes.
In his welcoming remarks, the permanent secretary of the Federal Ministry of Transportation/Marine and Blue Economy, Olufemi Oloruntola emphasised the collaborative effort invested in formulating the NLTP, driven by the sector’s critical role in Nigeria’s socio-economic development.
Oloruntola urged stakeholders to adopt a forward-thinking approach in evaluating the draft policy, considering both immediate needs and long-term visions for Nigeria’s transportation landscape.
With the approval of the draft NLTP, Nigeria is poised to revolutionise its land transport sector, paving the way for enhanced connectivity, improved efficiency and sustainable growth in line with national development objectives.
