The Federal Ministry of Transportation has announced the development of the first-ever National Land Transport Policy (NLTP).
Speaking at a stakeholders’ validation forum held on Wednesday, the Minister of Transportation, Said Alkali, emphasized the transformative potential of the NLTP for the land transport sub-sector, which he identified as the weakest link in the nation’s transportation system.
“The land transport sub-sector is the most-burdened in the transport and logistics value chain, hence the need for a policy that would engender and meet the goals of Nigerians.” He said.
According to a press statement signed by the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Olujimi Oyetomi, the validation forum was attended by various stakeholders including operators, regulators, academia, and research institutes, and aims to refine the draft policy document to ensure it fosters sustainable growth in the transportation sub-sector and the nation as a whole.
The NLTP draft provides a comprehensive overview of the existing situation of land transportation in Nigeria, including rail, road, pipeline, and intermodal connectivity to inland waterways, seaports, and airports. It addresses issues such as climate change, capacity building, and inclusive transportation, with designed implementation strategies recognizing interactions between various transport modes.
According to Alkali, “The role of transportation is a vital economic enabler with the potential to boost other areas such as agriculture, commerce, tourism, industry, education, and blue economy.”
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Transportation/Marine and Blue Economy, Olufemi Oloruntola, noted the collaborative effort in developing the NLTP, emphasizing the critical role of the transportation sector in the socio-economic development of Nigeria.
Oloruntola urged stakeholders to adopt a forward-thinking approach and consider both immediate needs and long-term vision for transportation in the country.
