Why FG Must Enforce National Transport Policy to Unlock Growth
For millions of Nigerians who spend hours stranded in gridlocked traffic, pay rising fares, or watch perishable goods rot on overloaded roads, a signed and enforced National Transport Policy is not an abstract reform; it is the blueprint for cheaper commutes, safer roads and a more productive economy.
After years of delay, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) recently approved the National Land Transport Policy, raising hopes that the federal government is finally moving toward a coordinated framework. But transport experts, operators and civic groups insist that implementation, not just approval, is what matters most.
A Minister’s Promise
In August, Minister of Transportation Said Alkali described the new policy as a landmark reform. Speaking in Abuja, he said the FEC-approved framework will “enhance regulations in the road sector to ensure safety” and lay the foundation for an integrated, technology-driven transport system.
“This is the first of its kind in Nigeria’s history,” Alkali said. “A lot of potential remains untapped here, and we feel we should harness all this potential by having a framework on which the sector needs to operate. The framework is going to strengthen the sector.”
The minister explained that the policy would be driven by private sector investment and cleaner energy solutions.
He announced plans for bus terminals and CNG stations in each of the six geopolitical zones, with World Bank support, adding, “The Government has a responsibility to ensure safety. So, we need to ensure all these facilities are on our roads.”
Why Implementation Matters
For decades, Nigeria’s transport system has been plagued by poor coordination, weak regulation, and piecemeal fixes that fail to solve chronic problems such as congestion, high logistics costs and unsafe vehicles. Analysts say the new policy, if executed, could provide the regulatory architecture and investment roadmap needed to integrate road, rail, water and urban transit.
“Implementation is the missing link,” says Dr. Segun Musa, chairman of Global Transport Policy. “We keep drafting plans that are never fully operationalised. A binding policy would align planning, set national standards and attract long-term investment.”
Stakeholders’ Demands
Civil-society groups and industry stakeholders have also called for inclusiveness and transparency. Disability-rights advocates, at a recent summit, urged that transport infrastructure must be accessible to Persons With Disabilities (PWDs). Others warned against repeating patchwork projects that leave out low-income riders and informal operators.
“Mobility for all isn’t a slogan, it’s a necessity if the economy is to work for everyone,” one summit communiqué stressed.
The Economic Stakes
The logistics and transport value chain is worth more than ₦15 trillion, yet inefficiencies continue to inflate business costs and consumer prices. Stakeholders argue that a credible national policy would unlock private capital, create jobs, and boost trade competitiveness.
Industry operators also point to pilot schemes already underway, such as the rollout of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses and electric vehicle trials in major cities. But both efforts face scale-up challenges without predictable policy backing for refuelling and maintenance infrastructure.
A Call for Action
Experts suggest that for the policy to succeed, the federal government must: Establish a clear timetable with responsibilities assigned across ministries and agencies; Harmonise licensing, vehicle standards and safety enforcement; Create a financing plan combining budgetary support, concessional loans and private concessions.
Others are: Develop a national transport index to monitor demand and performance; Enforce inclusion safeguards for PWDs and low-income commuters; and Without these steps, observers warn, Nigeria risks another cycle of unfulfilled plans.
The Road Ahead
As Minister Alkali put it: “Transportation is a gateway to a nation’s economy, with the capacity to boost growth and improve the livelihoods of its citizens.” For experts and commuters alike, the question is whether the government will back its words with action.
“If the policy is operationalised and enforced, we will see tangible improvements in road safety, efficiency and access,” Dr. Musa emphasised.
