NRC boss advocates policy to drive sustainable transportation system

The Managing Director, Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr Kayode Opeifa, says the enactment of a holistic national transport policy will help drive sustainable transportation in Nigeria.

Opeifa said this at the 11th Transport Day lecture held on Friday in Lagos.

He also called for a new strategic national rail transportation and logistics master plan to drive rail transportation in the country.

He presented a paper titled: “Sustainable Transportation System in Nigeria: A Path to Economic Prosperity.”

“Though Nigeria is not performing poorly on sustainable mobility indices, the sector can achieve more with a proper framework for sustainable mass transit operations,” he said.

The NRC boss called for the establishment of the Ministry of Transportation by all the state governments and a review of the current integrated infrastructure master plan for economic growth and development.

“There should be an integrated strategic transportation master plan that will encompass rail, water, air and road by all the state governments.

“Also critical for a sustainable transportation across the country is the establishment of Motor Vehicle Administration, Driver Licensing Administration Agency, a functional Vehicle Inspection Service, and a Driver Training Institute, by all the state governments,” he said.

Opeifa who drew a nexus between sustainable transportation and sustainable development goals, urged all state governments and other stakeholders to continue to prioritise accessibility, affordability, inclusion efficiency and environmental responsibility.

He praised President Bola Tinubu for removal of fuel subsidy, harmonisation of the currency exchange rates and other reforms.

These, he said, had impacted the transportation sector positively.

He also commended the unprecedented investment in rail infrastructure, revitalisation of the national rail transportation especially the railing with states and freights by rail revolution.

“Supporting states with grants for rail system infrastructure in just two years of this administration set the pace for more impact in the transportation sector,” he said.

Earlier, the Convener and Publisher of Transport Day, Mr Frank Kintum, lauded President Bola Tinubu for the compressed natural gas initiative which was setting a new tone for the deployment of newer energy to replace fossil fuel.

“Nigeria cannot be left behind in the march towards the adoption of cleaner energy, especially electric vehicle for transportation and mobility,” he said.