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From Idu Jude, Abuja
As land transport stakeholders gather in Abuja to fine-tune ideas leading to the establishment of National land transport policy (NLTP), the Minister of Transportation, Said Alkali, has tasked them to ensure that this is achieved to give credence to transportation value chain which only land can provide.
The minister gave the charge while delivering a key note address Wednesday in Abuja during the Stakeholders’ Forum designed to actualise the vision of birthing a National Land Transport Policy for the Nation, viewed to be the first of its kind.
Sen. Alkali, said, “I am aware that the silent question peddling our mind is -“why a National Land Transport Policy (NLTP)?”. It is pertinent to inform you that the National Land Transport Policy is one of the short term deliverables that will engender the Transformation of the Land Transport Sub- Sector, which is currently the weakest link in the Transportation Sector, although, it is the most burdened in the Transport and Logistics value Chain”.
In view of this, The Minister, noted that there is the urgent need to develop a National Land Transportation Policy (NLTP) because the land mode is the major linkage to social, regional, national and International Markets. He further emphasised that it facilitates the realisation of the Nation’s competitive advantage, connects people and distribute goods and Services.
“Land Transportation also has the potential to boost other areas such as Agriculture, Commerce, Tourism, Industry, Education, Blue Economy among others.
“I must emphasise that the National Land Transport Policy will not in any way deter the finalisation of the National Transportation Policy, but aims to develop a vibrant land Transportation System that will reduce congestion, improve connectivity in both urban and rural areas and foster a sustainable and inclusive Transportation System. The draft we are considering today gave a broad overview of the existing situation of the Land Transportation (Rail, Road, Pipeline and its intermodal connectivity to Inland Waterway, Seaports and Airports) in Nigeria. It also proffered Policy Responses to identified issues, introduced crosscutting issues such as Climate Change, Capacity Building and Knowledge Generation, Inclusive Transportation as well as designed implementation strategies that recognises interactions between the various transport modes.”
“Stakeholders, It is crystal clear that no man is an Island nor self-sufficient but relies on the strength of others. To this end, we are in this Hall today to draw from the strength of each other, bring together our diverse perspectives, expertise and insights to shape this policy into a comprehensive framework that addresses the multifaceted challenges facing our Land transportation system.
“Permit me to emphasise that the success of this policy is a win-win for us as we all represent the voices of the communities, businesses, civil society organizations and the general public. Let us give our all to validate a document that will stand the test of time, and build a transportation System that meets the needs of our people and advances the vision of Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda for the Nigerian Transportation Sector.
Speaking earlier, while welcoming stakeholders, the permanent Secretary Ministry of Transportation, Olufemi Olorintola, states that the Ministry before now established a dedicated think-tank committee tasked with formulating a comprehensive policy framework.
This committee, he informed comprising experts and stakeholders from diverse backgrounds, engaged in extensive research, analysis, and consultations to ensure that the NLTP reflects the aspirations and priorities of our nation.
