New National Land Transport Policy to Improve Road Safety and Efficiency

Strategic Insights -

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the new National Land Transport Policy in Nigeria, aimed at creating an efficient, safe, and sustainable land transport system. The policy, driven by private sector investment and modern technology, seeks to harness the untapped potentials of the transport sector, which is the most burdened mode of transportation in the world. The Minister of Transportation, Mr Said Alkali, emphasized that the framework is essential to strengthen the sector, improve regulations, and ensure safety. The new policy will also prioritize the use of cleaner energy solutions, with the government planning to build bus terminals and CNG stations in the nation's six geopolitical zones.

Key Takeaways:

  • The new National Land Transport Policy aims to improve road safety and efficiency by creating a framework for the transport sector to operate.
  • The policy will be driven by private sector investment and modern technology, including cleaner energy solutions.
  • The Minister of Transportation, Mr Said Alkali, emphasized the importance of a framework to strengthen the sector and improve regulations.
  • The government plans to build bus terminals and CNG stations in the nation's six geopolitical zones as part of the new policy.
  • The policy will prioritize the use of manifest for passengers transporting from terminals, whether owned by the government or private individuals.
  • The use of manifest is intended to ensure safety and prevent road traffic accidents linked to drug abuse.
  • The government is working to increase the efficiency and capacity of the rail sector, with projects such as the corridor from Port Harcourt to Aba and the rail project from Kano to Katsina with a branch line in Jigawa State.
  • These projects are part of the government's efforts to improve the livelihood of citizens and boost economic growth through transportation development.

Statistics:

  • The transport sector is the most burdened mode of transportation in any part of the world.
  • The state plans to build six bus terminals as a pilot scheme in the six political zones.
  • The government has already started constructing the first bus terminal as a pilot scheme.
  • The project is expected to be completed with the support of the World Bank.
  • The bus terminals will have CNG centres with the presence of security agencies to ensure safety.
  • The government aims to put another corridor from Kaduna to Kano into use before the end of next year.
  • The government plans to complete the rail project from Kano to Katsina with a branch line in Jigawa State.

Sources:

  • News Agency of Nigeria (22 August 2025)