Nigeria Launches First-Ever National Land Transport Policy to Modernize Mobility, Boost Innovation, and Strengthen Africa’s Transport Integration
Nigeria has taken a major step toward transforming its transport landscape with the Federal Executive Council’s approval of the country’s first-ever National Land Transport Policy.
The milestone initiative aims to modernize infrastructure, promote innovation, and enhance regional competitiveness across Africa.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Transportation, Senator Said Ahmed Alkali, during the 7th National Conference of the Chartered Institute of Transport Administration of Nigeria (CIOTA) held in Abuja.
Senator Alkali said the policy was the result of extensive collaboration with industry stakeholders and underscores the government’s commitment to building a safe, efficient, and integrated transport system that supports national development and sustainability.
He also highlighted Nigeria’s growing focus on indigenous innovation, citing the successful test flight of drones developed by engineers at the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology (NITT) in Zaria.
The minister emphasized that Nigeria is embracing smart mobility solutions, intelligent transport systems (ITS), and blockchain-enabled logistics to improve efficiency, transparency, and sustainability in both passenger and freight transport.
Kaduna Leads by Example in Sustainable Transport
Speaking at the conference, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani commended CIOTA for its leadership in professionalizing Nigeria’s transport industry and attracting investment to the sector.
Governor Sani highlighted Kaduna’s achievements, including the launch of the Kaduna Bus Rapid Transit (KBRT) the first BRT system in Northern Nigeria developed in partnership with the Agence Française de Développement (AFD).
The 24-kilometre corridor, serviced by 120 compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered buses, is projected to reduce carbon emissions by 38% and create more than 14,000 jobs.
He also outlined several ongoing infrastructure projects in Kaduna, such as:
Construction of 85 urban and rural roads covering 785 kilometres
A modern interstate bus terminal at Kakuri, nearing completion
A subsidised CNG transport scheme deploying 100 buses
The Kaduna Light Rail Project, linking the Rigachikun–Sabon Tasha corridor to the Abuja–Kaduna rail line
These initiatives, he said, demonstrate how regional governments can align with national policy to promote sustainable mobility and inclusive economic growth.
Professionalizing the Transport Sector for Global Standards
Prince Segun Obayendo, President of CIOTA, said the conference theme “Repositioning Nigeria’s Transport Infrastructure and Governance Models for Global Competitiveness” reflects the country’s determination to achieve seamless multimodal connectivity and global best practices in transport management.
He added that while Nigeria has made progress in expanding transport education and training through universities, polytechnics, and maritime institutes, professional certification and governance reforms remain key to achieving operational excellence, particularly in inland waterways management.
Driving Africa’s Transport Future
Nigeria’s first National Land Transport Policy is a historic milestone that aligns with regional efforts across Africa to build modern, efficient, and sustainable transport systems.
By integrating innovation, technology, and policy reform, the initiative positions Nigeria as a leader in smart mobility and regional logistics, setting an example for other African nations pursuing transport transformation under the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
