National Land Transport Policy will engender transformation of land transport sub sector

Oru Leonard 

The Minister of Transportation, Sen. Said Alkali has said that the birthing of a National Land Transport Policy for the nation, the first of its kind when completed, will engender the transformation of the land transport sub- sector, which he identified as presently the weakest link in the whole transportation sector.

Sen. Alkali who stated this today, Wednesday, 20th March, 2024, while delivering his keynote address at the stakeholders validation forum which was put together to enable the review and validation of the draft policy document of the National Land Transportation Policy (NLTP).

While acknowledging the input of the stakeholders which include all actors in the transportation sector – operators, regulators, academia, as well as research institutes and others, he described the validation of the draft document as essential and highly needed, in order to produce a document that will serve and foster sustainable growth for the transportation sub-sector and the nation at large.

The Minister had earlier remarked that “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.”
Alkali articulated the urgency of the validation exercise which should precede a memo to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) as arising because “the land transportation mode is the major linkage to social, regional, national, and international markets.”
To the Minister and the stakeholders therefore, 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, and with the success of the NLTP, transportation sector will be guided to play its sure role of stimulating and driving these sectors.

Even before Alkali’s goal for the validation of the draft NLTP could be fully spelt, the stakeholders have been moved to submit that bringing together the diverse perspectives, expertise and insights of the stakeholders and the resolve of Nigerians, to shape this policy into a comprehensive framework, the multifaceted challenges facing our land transportation system will be resolved.” “It is a policy that will reduce congestion, improve connectivity in both urban and rural areas and foster a sustainable and inclusive Transport System.

In the draft policy, there is a broad overview of the existing situation of the Land Transportation – Rail, Road, Pipeline and its intermodal connectivity to inland Waterways, Seaports, and Airports in Nigeria.
It also proffered policy responses to identified issues such as climate change, capacity building and knowledge generation, inclusive transportation as well as the designed implementation strategies that recognize interactions between the various transport modes.

Speaking earlier while welcoming the stakeholders to the validation forum, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Transportation/Marine and Blue Economy, Olufemi Oloruntola disclosed that development of the National Land Transport Policy (NLTP) has been a collaborative effort and driven by the critical role the sector plays in the socio-economic development of our nation.

He noted that understanding the complexities and challenges inherent in the transportation sector, the Ministry established a dedicated think-tank committee tasked with formulating a comprehensive policy framework.

Oloruntola urged all the stakeholders to critically evaluate the draft policy, adopt a forward-thinking approach, and should consider not only the immediate needs but also the long-term vision for transportation in Nigeria.

At the end of the 4 to 5 hours brainstorming, the stakeholders hail Senator Said Alkali and his team for a job well done on the Land Transportation Policy Draft.

Validating Draft National Land Transport Policy is another significant step towards effective, efficient, cheaper transportation alternative for Nigerians – Transportation stakeholders agree with Minister.