The federal government has called for an integrated transport system to attract investment and reduce logistics costs.
The government also said that connecting all three modes of transport would tackle road congestion, reduce accidents, and ease the burden on roads.
The Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Mr Abel Enitan, disclosed this in Abuja at the 19th Council of the National Council of Transportation, with the theme: “Developing effective transport system for Nigeria: The role of integrated transportation”.
Mr Enitan, who described transport as the lifeblood of the modern economy, added that an effective system was essential to connecting communities and moving goods and services.
Enitan, who was represented by Dr Ishaku Musa, said, “Transportation is the lifeblood of the modern economy. It connects people and communities, facilitates movement of goods and services, expands access to markets, supports trade and investment, and enables industrial and economic growth.
“Modern transport architecture will not only enhance mobility, but also reduce logistics costs, improve competitiveness of Nigerian businesses, strengthen domestic and international trade, attract investment, and promote opportunities across every sector of the economy.”
The Head of Service, however, said that Nigeria must also develop transport systems that are sustainable, technology-enabled and capable of responding to changing needs.
“We must also build transport systems that are climate resilient, sustainable, technology-enabled, and responsive to the changing needs of our population and economy.”
He also identified professional manpower and strong institutions as essential to the effective management of the sector.
“Equally important is the availability of a competent and professional workforce capable of planning, regulating, coordinating, and managing these increasingly complex systems”.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transportation, Engr. Funso Adebiyi, while stating that Nigerians depend heavily on road transport, called for the development of other modes of transport.
He said about 98 per cent of Nigerians depend on road transport, while even those who travel by air still rely on roads to access airports.
“Out of air, road, rail and water transport, you will discover that 98 per cent of Nigerians depend absolutely on road as a means of transport as of today.”
He explained that the extensive use of roads by passengers, motorists and cargo operators has subjected road pavements to excessive traffic and deterioration.
“Our road pavements are subjected to extensive stress. The loads our roads carry are mostly beyond their design capacity.”
Adebiyi hinted that the government was pursuing rail development to ease excess traffic on roads and improve safety.
“The accident rates will be reduced. The risk on our roads will be reduced when all the modes of transport are properly linked. Let’s be assured that in no distant time, road transport, rail transport, and water transport will all be interconnected because Nigerians deserve the right to choose at any time their preferred transport mode when planning to take a trip from point A to point B.”
Adebiyi further disclosed that six standardised bus terminals would be established across the country.
He said the terminals would have minimum operational standards, including waiting rooms, information screens, police posts and mechanic booths for inspecting vehicles before departure.
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