‘National land transport policy to end hitches on roads, rail system – Minister

… As CIoTA inaugurates 3rd Governing Council

By Musa John

The Minister of Transportation, 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.

Speaking on the themed “Adoption of Technology in Transportation Ecosystem’ the CIoTA President/ Chairman, 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.

On his part , the Director General of the National Center for Technology Management (NACETEM), 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, 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.