Transportation Minister Advocates for Increased Funding in 2025 Budget
The Minister of Transportation, Senator Said Alkali, has emphasized the need for greater financial support to sustain and expand Nigeria’s transportation infrastructure as outlined in the proposed 2025 budget.
This was revealed in a statement issued on Friday by Gift Seddon, Chief Information Officer of the Federal Ministry of Transportation.
While addressing the Joint Committees at the National Assembly in Abuja, Alkali reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to implementing Nigeria’s Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan. He explained that the 2025 budget proposal aims to build on the progress made under the 2024 Appropriations Act, ensuring the continuity of the government’s development agenda.
“To maintain the momentum of the 2024 Appropriation Act and achieve further progress in the current financial year, there is a critical need for increased funding to enhance infrastructure across all agencies under the Ministry,” Alkali stated.
Strategic Focus on Rail and Land Transportation
The minister highlighted that the proposal aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration, particularly emphasizing rail modernization and improvements in other land transport systems. He also appealed to the National Assembly for continued support, especially in overcoming challenges related to securing counterpart funding through loans.
Describing transportation as “a key driver of economic growth and a gateway to the nation’s economy,” Alkali underscored the sector’s importance in national development.
Key Achievements in 2024
Reviewing the ministry’s accomplishments over the past year, Alkali pointed to the rehabilitation of the Lagos-Kano narrow gauge railway, which has been revived for freight movement between Lagos Port and the Dala Inland Dry Port in Kano. He described this as a major milestone in boosting commercial activities.
Additionally, he highlighted the commissioning of a 62-kilometer rail corridor linking Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to Aba, Abia State. This project, he noted, is designed to enhance trade and strengthen the connection between the Eastern Ports and inland markets.
Commitment to Cleaner Energy and Transport Efficiency
Alkali also outlined the ministry’s collaboration with the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), which recently distributed 15 CNG-powered buses to three major transport unions:
• The National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW)
• The Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN)
• The National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO)
According to the minister, this initiative aims to ease transportation difficulties following the removal of fuel subsidies while supporting the transition to cleaner energy.
Furthermore, he announced the development and commissioning of CNG Conversion and Training Centres by the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology in Abuja, Zaria, Enugu, Borno, and Kogi States. He added that plans are underway to extend the initiative across all 36 states of the federation.
Senate Committee Emphasizes Rail Development
In his opening remarks, Senator Mohammed Adamu Aliero, Chairman of the Joint Senate/House Committees on Land Transport, stressed the significance of a well-developed transport system for Nigeria’s growth.
“The country’s advancement is closely tied to the efficiency of its transportation infrastructure. This budget defense is a crucial step in shaping Nigeria’s future,” Aliero stated.
He further emphasized the urgent need for continued investment in Nigeria’s rail system, calling it “the most viable alternative to reduce over-reliance on and pressure on the nation’s road networks.”
The proposed budget for 2025 is expected to prioritize projects that will enhance transport connectivity, promote economic activities, and support the government’s long-term infrastructure goals.
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