BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja
The Federal Government has revealed plans to strengthen rail and water transportation to lower logistics costs,
reduce pressure on roads and improve safety.
Currently, about 98 per cent of Nigerians depend on road transportation, making it imperative to expand other means of transportation.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Transportation, Mr Olufunso Adebiyi stated this on Tuesday in Abuja, at the ongoing 19th National Council on Transportation, with the theme: "Developing Effective Transportation System for Nigeria: The Role of Integrated Transportation.”
He listed ongoing efforts to expand the railway network, adding that moving containers by rail from ports to inland destinations would reduce the number of heavy-duty vehicles on major highways, as well as road deterioration and accidents.
Adebiyi, who is also the Chairman of the council’s technical session, noted that the government is also improving port infrastructure and operations to make cargo movement faster, safer and more efficient.
To this end, he revealed plans to establish standardised bus terminals across the country, beginning with six terminals equipped with waiting areas, security posts, vehicle inspection and maintenance points, restrooms and other amenities.
Adebiyi pointed out that the Federal Government is developing a Smart National Transport Data Bank to provide reliable data on drivers, vehicles, licences, number plates, transport workers and passengers, thereby strengthening road safety, regulation and accountability.
He informed that the Federal Government is determined to give Nigerians greater freedom to choose their preferred mode of transportation rather than depend almost entirely on road travel.
Already, the Federal Government is pursuing the expansion of rail and light-rail systems while working towards greater connectivity among road, rail and water transportation.
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, HoSCF, Mr Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan hinted that an integrated transport system is essential to Nigeria’s ambition of building a one-trillion-dollar economy by 2030.
Enitan noted that a modern multimodal transport network would improve mobility, reduce logistics costs, strengthen trade, attract investment and enhance the competitiveness of Nigerian businesses.
He maintained that infrastructure alone would not deliver the desired transformation, seeking stronger institutions, effective regulation, reliable data, innovation and a skilled workforce.
Dr Emmanuel John Oche of the Transport Growth Initiative, Abuja, advocated a shift from Nigeria’s traditional road-centred approach to transportation development.
Oche argued that Nigeria must prioritise sustainable public transportation, active mobility and efficient freight systems, stressing that genuine integration required coordinated systems, institutions, technology, information and operations.
The Director of Transport Planning and Coordination, Mrs Jane Orjinta informed that the council provided an important platform for the governments, regulators, operators and other stakeholders to assess progress, identify challenges and develop coordinated solutions.
She enjoined States to develop clear transport master plans and adopt transparent public-private partnership frameworks capable of attracting sustained investment.
The council is expected to produce actionable recommendations to improve connectivity, safety, affordability, sustainability and efficiency across the country.
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