The Minister of Transportation, Sen. Saidu Ahmed Alkali has disclosed that the National Land Transport Policy is targeted at addressing irregularities, lawlessness among other challenges on the roads, rail transport system.
The Minister explained that the policy focuses on developing a sustainable framework for Nigeria’s transportation sector, particularly for road and rail modes.
He said ” the policy aims to address the country’s transportation challenges, improve road safety, and enhance the overall efficiency of the transport system. The policy is expected to serve as a blueprint for building a transportation system that meets the needs of Nigerians.”
The Minister who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Adeyeye Adeoye at the Inauguration of third Governing Council of Chartered Institute of Transport Administration of Nigeria ( CIoTA) said “the institute has made significant impact within a period of shortest time especially their contributions towards the National Land Transport Policy documents.
He emphasized that the policy document has been finalized and is now awaiting approval from the Federal Executive Council (FEC) before being made available to Nigerians.
“CIoTA has played a crucial role in developing this policy, which will guide the future of land transport in the country.
“Under the leadership of President Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda several states are also coming up with rail network. Lagos is planning to launch its Greenline, Plateau state and other states are already coming to the ministry to seek our support in the rail network.
” If you go around the world you will discover that the transport sector needs professionals to drive it therefore Ciota will play a vital roles on the roads, aviation and the government will continue to synergizes in ensuring efficiency to reduce hitches in this sector.
Speaking on the themed “Adoption of Technology in Transportation Ecosystem’ the CIoTA President/Chairman, Prince Segun Obayendo stressed on the need to formalize the transport sector, particularly in road and waterway operations which remain largely informal.
He noted that this informality makes it difficult to accurately measure the sector’s contribution to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
“We are underestimated because the country cannot truly measure our impact. Our goal is to formalize the sector, bring transport operators into the economy, and ensure they are properly recognized and respected,” he said.
He commended the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) for its efforts in streamlining road transport operations in Lagos and expressed CIoTA’s determination to expand such initiatives across Nigeria’s 36 states.
“We need to upskill operators, provide adequate training, and instill professionalism in the sector,” he said, stressing the need for improved conduct and appearance among commercial transport workers.
Obayendo also raised concerns over recurring accidents in the maritime and waterways sector, citing recent tragedies in 2025.
He emphasized that CIoTA would work closely with the National Assembly to advocate for necessary reforms and stricter safety regulations.
“We are here to recommit ourselves to the ideals of CIoTA. We will work tirelessly to ensure the transport sector gets the respect and recognition it deserves,” he added.
On his part , the Director General of the National Center for Technology Management (NACETEM), Dr. Olushola Odusanya emphasized that Nigeria must adopt local technologies to drive innovation in the transport sector.
He stated the need to turn existing challenges into opportunities for technological advancements.
“We came to discuss the foundations of the transport sector and explore technologies that can propel it to greater heights,” he said.
He noted that Nigeria continues to import materials that could be produced locally, such as number plates, which could be manufactured through simple stamping and painting processes.
Odusanya highlighted the potential of foundry technologies, welding, and metallurgical advancements to boost domestic production in the transport industry.
The VC Chancellor of Federal University of Transportation Daura, Prof Umar Adam Katsayal revealed that they’re collaborating with stakeholders to introduce relevant training of students in modern transportation cutting across air, land and sea and also pipeline transport of gasoline from Ajaokuta to Kano and Kaduna state.
He noted their challenges borders getting experts in railway engineering, highway engineering but they’re partnering with other institutions in the country and Europe for professional knowledge sharing.