Nigeria’s Minister of Transportation Inaugurates Retreat, Emphasizes Performance and Collaboration

Maryam Aminu

In a landmark event aimed at enhancing the performance of Nigeria’s transportation sector, the Honourable Minister Transportation, Sen. Said Ahmed Alkali said the Federal Ministry of Transportation has the potential to be a prime catalyst for ensuring social and economic integration to promote sustainable growth and development

The Minister made this known while delivering a keynote address at the Ministry’s Ministerial Retreat held on Thursday 8th February 2024 at Abuja

The two-day retreat, taking place from February 8th to 9th which brought together top management officials from the Ministry and its Agencies, has it theme: Repositioning The Federal Ministry of Transportation for Excellent Service Delivery To The Nation Now and Beyond

The retreat serves as the first official congregation under the minister’s leadership and is aimed at fostering team cohesion and developing strategies to fulfill the Ministry’s objectives.

During his address, Sen. Alkali welcomed the initiative by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who, at the Presidential Retreat in 2023, signed a Performance Bond with Cabinet Ministers and their Permanent Secretaries. This bond is intended to set benchmarks for the Ministry’s achievements and the effective implementation of presidential priorities.

Sen. Alkali expressed that the Central Delivery Coordination Unit (CDCU) was tasked with tracking the performance of government officials.

The Minister underscored the President’s clear expectations for measurable results from Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) and noted that while the Performance Bond highlights certain priorities, it is not exhaustive of the Ministry’s responsibilities.

He expressed optimism that the retreat would result in a comprehensive implementation strategy that extends beyond the priority projects and programs outlined in the signed bonds.

Highlighting the role of transportation as a vital economic enabler, Sen. Alkali reflected on the urgent development of the National Land Transport Policy (NLTP), which aims to support socio-economic growth and improve citizens’ quality of life.

The Minister also linked the efficiency of the transportation sector with the potential to boost other areas such as Agriculture, the Blue Economy, Tourism, Industrialization, and National Integration.

In light of government funding limitations, the Minister stressed the importance of attracting private sector investment and emphasized the need for Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) to move from planning to implementation.

“With a team of resource persons and facilitators on board, the retreat is expected to clarify the Ministry’s mandate, vision, mission, and the nuances of the Performance Bond and Performance Management System (PMS).” Said the Minister

He urged the Permanent Secretary to ensure the dissemination of the retreat’s outcomes to all officers within the Ministry and its Agencies.

Declaring the retreat open, the Minister expressed confidence in the capabilities of the participants and looked forward to exceeding the expectations set for the outcomes of the retreat.

“The retreat is a pivotal step towards aligning the Ministry’s strategies with national objectives and enhancing Nigeria’s transportation infrastructure to foster economic growth and development.” He added

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Oloruntola Olufemi, said the Ministry’s gathering will serve as a platform to delve into the intricacies of the Performance Bond endorsed by the Honourable Minister, setting the stage for them to establish clear objectives conducive to fulfilling the Ministry’s mandate.

“As we convene, it is imperative to recognize that the Performance Bond encapsulates a comprehensive framework comprising initiatives, deliverables, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), timelines, and targets, essential for the sector’s advancement.”

Olufemi expressed that the retreat is instrumental in fostering a deep understanding of the bond’s components, facilitating alignment with staff roles and responsibilities as stewards of the Transportation sector.

He added that the transportation sector undeniably holds paramount importance in Nigeria’s socioeconomic development.

Noting that the implementation of the Performance Bond is of utmost importance to Mr. President, the Permanent Secretary urged all to collectively brainstorm solutions to the sector’s challenges, paving the way for a sustainable, technologically advanced, and innovative industry.

He reiterated the Ministry’s Commitment to monthly reviews of Agency performances and quarterly appraisals, underscoring their unwavering dedication to advancing the transportation sector for the benefit of Nigerians.

He further commended the Honourable Minister of Transportation for his unwavering dedication and tireless efforts towards transforming Nigeria’s transportation landscape.