Nigeria’s Ministry of Transportation has unveiled an ambitious plan to enhance transportation effectiveness and tackle rising fuel costs by procuring a fleet of electric cars.
This move is expected to enhance nationwide commuter convenience and reduce carbon emissions.
Sa’idu Alkali, the newly appointed Minister of Transportation, announced this initiative in Abuja upon returning to work last week.
He highlighted the importance of reducing transportation expenses following fuel subsidy removal.
Alkali emphasized, “The Ministry of Transport must take a leading role in improving public transportation to deliver democratic benefits to ordinary Nigerians through secure, affordable, and convenient options across the country.”
He further stated, “I am committed to establishing an effective mass transit system in line with the President’s agenda of renewed hope.
We will strive to reduce transportation costs, even within the mass transit system, following the fuel subsidy removal. We also aim to procure electric vehicles to achieve this.”
Alkali pledged collaboration with related ministries, agencies, and corporate entities to revitalize road transport and mass transit operations.
Addressing the rail transportation sector, he pledged to ensure safe and efficient operations, saying, “I will carefully analyze prevailing economic trends to modernize and rehabilitate the rail transport sector.
This aligns with the government’s primary purpose and recent Constitutional alterations, moving rail transport services to the concurrent list.
This initiative will help reduce accidents, kidnappings, and armed robberies that frequently plague our roads.”
Alkali affirmed his commitment to monitor and assess the performance of government agencies aligned with the administration’s “Renewed Hope” agenda. He also promised a supportive work environment while warning against negligence or disrespect.
“To fulfill the ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda, I am dedicated to effective supervision, monitoring, and evaluation of all Ministry departments and agencies. This aims to ensure operational standards, prudent expense management, and maximum productivity.”
