Vice President Kashim Shettima has unveiled a new national land transport policy aimed at establishing a safer, more efficient and integrated transport system across Nigeria.
Speaking on Thursday at the 19th National Council on Transportation in Abuja, Shettima stated that the policy intends to harmonise transport operations to reduce bottlenecks and enhance the movement of people and goods within the country.
The policy development involved a wide range of stakeholders, including representatives from federal and state governments, the National Assembly, various transport agencies and the private sector.
The new framework focuses on shifting Nigeria away from fragmented transport modes toward a multimodal system where roads, rail and inland waterways work in tandem. This integration is intended to lower the cost of logistics, which is a critical factor in reducing food inflation and boosting domestic trade.
Safety remains a primary pillar of the new directives. Nigeria has historically struggled with high rates of road traffic accidents and aging vehicle fleets. The new national land transport policy introduces stricter safety standards and upgraded regulatory oversight to protect commuters and logistics operators.
Strategic Goals for Nigeria’s Transport Network
A key component of the policy is the increased involvement of the private sector in infrastructure development and management. By creating a clearer regulatory environment, the federal government aims to attract private capital to bridge the funding gap in rail expansion and road maintenance.
The 19th National Council on Transportation served as the platform to align state-level transport initiatives with federal goals. This coordination is necessary to ensure that state-owned roads and terminals connect seamlessly with national rail lines and ports, preventing the current disconnect that often slows down transit.
The transport sector is central to the current administration’s economic agenda, as improved mobility is viewed as a prerequisite for agricultural productivity. Efficient land transport allows farmers in rural areas to move produce to urban markets faster, thereby reducing post-harvest losses and improving food security.
Following the unveiling, the focus shifts to the implementation phase, where transport agencies will be required to update their operational guidelines to align with the new policy directives.
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