The Nigerian Government has reiterated its commitment to ensure sufficient training and certification for truck and articulated vehicle drivers to curb the rising cases of accidents involving heavy-duty vehicles across the country.
The government also assured citizens that it would source funds to implement the driver training projects, which were suggested by the National Assembly earlier this year.
Speaking at a meeting with the committee overseeing the project in Abuja, Minister of Transportation, Said Alkali, said, “On the receipt of the complaint from the office of the National Security Adviser NSA as well as the National Assembly, the ministry is committed to providing safe, efficient, and affordable transportation for Nigerians.”
He added, “Drivers must undergo training and understand their responsibilities, and I am pleased that all relevant stakeholders are present. We have representatives from the drug law sector, road safety officials, the President of the Female Drivers Association, and me, your humble trainer. I want to commend you all for your commitment to this important cause.”
Speaking on the funding challenges facing the project, the Minister, who was represented by the director overseeing the office of the permanent secretary, Musa Ibrahim, said, “We are working around the clock to get funding, and as soon as that is ready, we will go into the project fully.”
The representative of the Female Drivers Association, Cynthia Ehindoro, said the committee was ready to commence work as soon as adequate funding was provided.
According to the committee chairman, “We appreciate your effort for enhancing effective land transportation in Nigeria, which was further affirmed by the recent approval of the National Transport Policy and your success in getting the Federal Executive Council’s approval of about N142 billion to construct modern bus terminals across the six geo-political zones. This is commendable and a remarkable landmark in the history of land transportation in Nigeria.” He added.