FG Mulls Introduction Of Electric Vehicles Into Proposed Mass Transit Scheme

The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Transportation, has proposed the reintroduction of mass transit schemes back into the Nigerian transport system.

Naija News gathered that the ministry is proposing introducing electric vehicles into the proposed mass transit scheme in the country.

According to the Minister of Transportation, Ahmed Alkali, there is an urgent need to bring the mass transit system back into the country, especially when the government has removed subsidy from fuel.

The minister, while resuming work on Tuesday in Abuja, said with the current surge in transportation fees around the country due to the subsidy removal, the ministry will focus on policies that will make room for cheaper transport for Nigerians.

He said he would collaborate with vital agencies and bodies to achieve that.

Alkali pointed out that “I will ensure a sustainable collaboration with related ministries, agencies, and corporate entities to reactivate the road transport and mass transit operations in the Country.

“Similarly, I will, under the careful study of prevailing economic trends, undertake the provision, modernization, rehabilitation, planning, and development of the rail transport sector with efficient security services to support the realization of primary purpose of government.

“This initiative will no doubt maximize the potentials embodied in the recent Constitutional alterations that moved rail transport services from the exclusive list to the concurrent list. It will also reduce the frequent menace on our roads characterized with accidents, kidnappings, and armed robbery.

“The Ministry of Transport must assume a leading role of improving the public transportation sector to support the numerous policies that are geared towards providing democratic dividends that are accessible to ordinary Nigerians through effective provision of public transport that is secured, affordable, and convenient across the country.

“It is important to state that the Federal Ministry of Transportation remains among the few Ministries that were established and continue in existence from colonial period to date with little modification of name given its strategic place as gateway to the nation’s economy.

“This might probably explains why the Ministry is undergoing restructuring in response to emerging national economic challenges that require the services of the Ministry.”

The minister also pledged that under his watch, the ministry’s mandate and the mandates of agencies under its jurisdiction will be realized.

“This endeavour will assist to harness the resources of the nation, promote national prosperity and dynamic, self-reliant economy that will actualise the “Renewed Hope” of the present administration’s developmental agenda of ensuring an efficient transport system consistent with the socio-economic objectives of the Constitution,” he added.