Minister of Transportation, Senator Said Ahmed Alkali, has reaffirmed the critical role of Nigeria’s transport sector in driving economic development, calling it a powerful engine for growth and a repository of untapped potential.
The PUNCH reported that while speaking during the 2024 Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology Management Retreat in Kaduna on Tuesday, Alkali underscored the importance of integrating a Performance Management System to assess progress, spotlight areas in need of improvement, and recognize exceptional performance within the institution.
The minister expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for placing transportation at the center of his administration’s priorities.
He also lauded the NITT management team for organizing the retreat, which he described as timely and forward-thinking.
“The transport sector is crucial to Nigeria’s economic growth, and we must ensure that our institutions are equipped to drive this growth,” Alkali remarked.
He emphasized the critical nature of PMS, explaining that it provides a structured mechanism for tracking achievements, identifying obstacles, and utilizing data to guide improvements across the sector.
He further articulated his vision for NITT, calling for the institution to evolve into Africa’s leading center for transport research, training, and innovation.
Alkali stressed the importance of producing graduates who are not only knowledgeable but are also equipped to become job creators, policymakers, and pioneers in the industry.
“We must focus on producing graduates who can drive the transport sector forward, creating jobs and stimulating economic growth,” he urged, reiterating the need to foster innovation within the institute.
Alkali also addressed the significance of embracing new technologies and staying abreast of shifts in global transportation trends.
He highlighted electric vehicles, autonomous transportation, and green solutions as essential to building a future-ready transport sector that can withstand the pressures of climate change and environmental challenges.
“We must be proactive in addressing the challenges facing the transport sector, including climate change and environmental degradation. We must invest in sustainable solutions that will ensure the long-term viability of our transport systems,” he added.
Reflecting on the ministry’s efforts, the minister referred to his defense of the N46.6 billion 2024 budget for the Ministry of Transportation before the Joint Committee of the Senate and House of Representatives on Land Transport in December 2023.
He highlighted the pressing need for an investment portfolio of US$35 billion to realize a fully functional railway system in Nigeria, acknowledging that funding gaps remain a significant hurdle to achieving these goals.
In closing, Alkali charged the retreat’s participants to embody the principles of accountability and strive for excellence in executing their roles as outlined in their performance bonds.
“I charge you all to take ownership of your roles, striving for excellence and accountability in all that you do. Together, we can drive the transport sector forward, contributing to Nigeria’s economic growth and development,” Alkali stated emphatically.
Earlier in the event, NITT Director General, Dr. Bayero Farah, pledged the Institute’s unwavering commitment to spearheading growth in the transport sector by leveraging past successes and adopting innovative strategies to foster sustainable development.
“We are working as a family in the Institute, and we are always prepared to deliver on our mandate,” Farah declared, stressing that NITT is poised to remain a trailblazer in transport technology and innovation.
The retreat, themed ‘Realigning NITT’s Vision with Performance Management System (PMS) and the Dynamics of the Transport Industry’, was designed to reflect on the Institute’s progress and carve out new strategies for future growth.
Farah assured attendees that the Institute’s renewed focus would solidify its position as a key player in supporting Nigeria’s transport sector and broader economic development.
“We will work tirelessly to ensure the Institute remains at the forefront of transport technology and innovation,” Farah assured confidently.
