The Federal Government has unveiled plans to construct bus terminals and compressed natural gas (CNG) stations across the six geopolitical zones to enhance transportation and improve road safety.
The Minister of Transportation, Said Ahmed Alkali, announced this in Abuja during a meeting with members of the Abuja Transport and Aviation Correspondents Association (ATACA).
He stated that the newly approved National Land Transport Policy by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) would provide a regulatory framework for the road sector and enhance safety.
“This policy is the first of its kind in the history of this country. The transport sector is the most burdensome mode of transportation in any part of the world,” the minister 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. With the passage of this policy, the framework is going to strengthen the industry,” he added.
He said the government had approved the construction of six bus terminals, one in each geopolitical zone, as a pilot scheme, and that their locations were selected based on economic viability.
“We are going to engage with the World Bank to continue with the development of these terminals,” Alkali said.
He added that each terminal would include a CNG refuelling centre and the presence of security agencies.
“Government will be insisting on the use of manifests for the passengers that took off from the station, whether the buses belong to government or private individuals, still, government has a responsibility to ensure safety,” he said.
The minister also highlighted progress in the rail sector, noting that the Port Harcourt–Aba corridor had been operational since last year.
“By the grace of God Almighty, we can achieve Port Harcourt to Aba. We are working hard to see how we can, hopefully by the end of next year, put another corridor from Kaduna to Kano to use,” he added.
He said track-laying had commenced on the Kano–Katsina branch line through Jigawa State.
Alkali emphasised that transportation is a gateway to a nation’s economy, with the capacity to boost growth and improve citizens’ livelihoods.
PIAK