The Federal Government has unveiled Nigeria’s first National Land Transport Policy as part of efforts to build a more integrated, efficient, safe and sustainable transportation system.
Vice President Kashim Shettima said transportation is central to economic development because it connects workers, families, businesses, markets and communities.
The policy was unveiled in Abuja on Thursday during the 19th National Council on Transportation.
Shettima Highlights Economic Importance
Shettima said an effective transport system is essential to improving productivity across the Nigerian economy.
According to the Vice President, farmers need reliable transportation to move their produce, industries need access to raw materials, businesses need efficient routes to consumers, while workers require safe and affordable ways to reach their workplaces.
He said the Federal Government’s responsibility goes beyond constructing individual roads and infrastructure projects to ensuring that different modes of transportation work together.
Government Targets Integrated Network
The new policy is designed to encourage greater coordination across Nigeria’s transport infrastructure.
The Federal Government is targeting better integration of road, rail, ports and other transportation systems as part of efforts to improve movement and reduce logistical bottlenecks.
The policy is expected to provide a framework for developing a more coordinated national transport system rather than treating different modes of transportation in isolation.
Reducing Transport Costs
Transport costs have become a major concern for Nigerians and businesses, particularly because higher transportation expenses affect the prices of food and other goods.
An integrated system could improve the movement of goods between farms, production centres, ports, markets and consumers.
Government officials have also linked improved transport infrastructure to increased investment, productivity and economic growth.
Policy Comes Amid Infrastructure Investments
The unveiling comes as the Federal Government continues to promote investments in roads, rail and other infrastructure.
The government says the broader objective is to make transportation safer, more affordable and more efficient while improving connectivity between different parts of the country.
Shettima said the policy forms part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
What The Policy Means
The National Land Transport Policy is intended to provide a coordinated framework for the development and regulation of land transportation.
Its effectiveness, however, will depend on implementation, funding, coordination among government agencies and cooperation between federal and state authorities.