New National Land Transport Policy Underway – FG Tank

Federal government has initiated moves to develop a National Land Transportation Policy (NLTP), to revolutionise the nation’s land transport sector, currently burdened with inefficiencies.

This was revealed by the minister of Transportation, Sen Said Ahmed Alkali in Abuja on Wednesday.

In a statement by the special assistant (public affairs), Jamilu Ja’afaru, the minister, while speaking at the inauguration of a pivotal stakeholders’ validation forum for the draft National Land Transport Policy, Alkali said the forum aims to harness collective wisdom and insights to craft a transformative blueprint for the future of land transportation in Nigeria.

The forum is anticipated to yield a validated policy framework that will serve as a roadmap for the transformation of Nigeria’s land transport landscape. The Ministry of Transportation remains steadfast in its commitment to overseeing the effective implementation of the policy, aligning with the broader vision of the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda for the Nigerian Transportation Sector.

While emphasizing its potential to revolutionize the nation’s land transport sector, the minister said “the National Land Transport Policy is not just a document; it is a vision for a more efficient, interconnected, and sustainable transport system that serves the needs of our people and propels economic growth.”

He said, “The draft NLTP provides a comprehensive assessment of current challenges and proposes strategic responses to enhance the sector, incorporating key considerations such as climate change, capacity building, and inclusive transportation. The policy also outlines actionable implementation strategies that prioritize seamless integration between different modes of transport.”

Senator Alkali also highlighted the collaborative nature of the policy-making process, urging stakeholders to contribute their diverse perspectives and expertise.

“Together, we have the opportunity to shape a policy that will set the course for a modern, responsive, and inclusive land transportation system in Nigeria in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu,” he said.

Slain Soldiers: Diri Urges Support For Military To Arrest Killers

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has called for concerted efforts and support for the military and other security agencies to bring the killers of the 17 soldiers in Okuama community in Delta State to justice.

Diri, who condemned the killings, again expressed his deep condolences and that of the Bayelsa State Government to the families of the slain military personnel, the wider Armed Forces family and the Army in particular.

He stressed that no effort should be spared to bring the perpetrators to book.

Through his chief press secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, the governor said yesterday that Bayelsa State, being a proud host to the headquarters of the joint services Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), the Central Naval Command, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Mobility Command and the Nigerian Army 16 Brigade, was understandably outraged at the heinous attack on the military personnel that are cherished members of the communities they are located and the state.

He said the government would continue to support the military and other law enforcement institutions in their mission in the state.

The governor has consequently directed all the security commanders in the state as well as the coordinator of the Bayelsa Community Safety Corps, Brig-General Eric Angaye (rtd), to scale up surveillance and patrol of the state’s borders and the waterways.

He said, “The killing of our soldiers is barbaric, satanic and outrightly criminal. And anyone involved should be seen and treated as a criminal under our laws.”

The governor urged the people of the state, particularly residents of Igbomotoru community in Southern Ijaw local government area, to remain calm as the government would ensure that law-abiding citizens were protected and safe at all times.