FG Inaugurates Stakeholders’ Forum to Develop National Land Transport Policy

Kasim Sumaina in Abuja

The Minister of Transportation, Senator Said Alkali, yesterday, announced the inauguration of a pivotal stakeholders’ Validation Forum for the draft National Land Transport Policy (NLTP), for the country.

Alkali, said the aim of the forum was to harness collective wisdom and insights to craft a transformative blueprint for the future of land transportation in Nigeria.

The Minister, while speaking in Abuja, welcomed a gathering of industry experts, academia, professional bodies, NGOs and representatives from various sectors to participate in the crucial stage of policy development.

In his keynote address, the Minister underscored the pressing need for the NLTP, even as he emphasised its potential to revolutionise the nation’s land transport sector, currently burdened with inefficiencies.

He noted that the National Land Transport Policy would not be a document; but a vision for a more efficient, interconnected and sustainable transport system that serves the needs of our people and propels economic growth.

The draft NLTP he said, provides a comprehensive assessment of current challenges and proposes strategic responses to enhance the sector, incorporating key considerations such as climate change, capacity building, and inclusive transportation.

The policy, according to Alkali, also outlines actionable implementation strategies that prioritise seamless integration between different modes of transport. The Minister, while highlighting the collaborative nature of the policy-making process, however, urged stakeholders to contribute their diverse perspectives and expertise.

He said: “Together, we have the opportunity to shape a policy that will set the course for a modern, responsive, and inclusive land transportation system in Nigeria in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR.”

The forum, he added was anticipated to yield a validated policy framework that would serve as a roadmap for the transformation of Nigeria’s land transport landscape.

“The Ministry of Transportation, therefore remains steadfast in its commitment to overseeing the effective implementation of the policy, aligning with the broader vision of the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda for the Nigerian Transportation Sector.”