Nigeria: Validating Draft National Land Transport Policy
In a significant step towards creating a more effective, efficient, and affordable transportation system in Nigeria, stakeholders in the transportation sector have expressed their support for the draft National Land Transport Policy (NLTP). The Minister of Transportation, Sen. Said Alkali, highlighted the importance of this initiative during a stakeholders validation forum held on 20th March 2024. He emphasized that the NLTP, upon completion, will mark the first comprehensive policy aimed at transforming the nation’s land transport sector, which is currently considered the weakest link in Nigeria’s transportation network.
The forum brought together a wide array of sector stakeholders, including operators, regulators, academics, and research institutes, to review and validate the draft policy. The Minister underscored the critical nature of the policy for sustainable growth in the transportation sub-sector and the broader national economy. He noted the land transport sub-sector’s pivotal role in connecting to various markets, both domestically and internationally, underscoring transportation’s role as a crucial economic driver across multiple sectors such as agriculture, commerce, and tourism.
The draft NLTP aims to address the multifaceted challenges facing Nigeria’s land transportation system, including congestion, connectivity, and sustainability. It provides an overview of the current state of land transport—including rail, road, and pipelines—and their integration with other modes of transport like waterways, seaports, and airports. The policy also outlines responses to issues such as climate change and the need for capacity building and knowledge generation.
The development of the NLTP has been a collaborative effort, emphasizing the transportation sector’s vital role in Nigeria’s socio-economic development. The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Transportation/Marine and Blue Economy, Olufemi Oloruntola, highlighted the effort of a dedicated think-tank committee in crafting this comprehensive policy framework. Stakeholders are encouraged to critically evaluate the draft policy with a forward-thinking perspective, considering both immediate and long-term transportation needs in Nigeria.
The validation forum ended on a high note, with stakeholders commending Sen. Alkali and his team for their diligent work on the Land Transportation Policy Draft, signalling a promising step forward for the nation’s transportation infrastructure.
