GORONYO CALLS FOR STRONGER MULTI-MODAL TRANSPORT SYSTEM, SAYS ROADS REMAIN THE BACKBONE OF NIGERIA’S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT*

GORONYO CALLS FOR STRONGER MULTI-MODAL TRANSPORT SYSTEM, SAYS ROADS REMAIN THE BACKBONE OF NIGERIA’S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT*

From our journalist

Abuja (Core Reporters)-The Honorable Minister of Works, Eng. David Umahi, represented by the Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq., has called for stronger collaboration between stakeholders in the road, rail, maritime and aviation sectors to develop an efficient intermodal transport system that can drive Nigeria’s economic transformation.

Goronyo made the call on Wednesday, September 2, 2026 at the 19th National Transport Council with the theme *“Developing Effective Transport Systems for Nigeria: The Role of Integrated Transport”* in Abuja.

He described roads and bridges as essential lifelines for trade, commerce and human mobility, emphasizing that robust, extensive and durable road networks connect rural agricultural communities with urban markets, facilitate access to seaports and rail terminals, and enable mobility across the country.

The Minister of State said the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, is paying unprecedented attention to infrastructure development through the Renewed Hope Agenda, with substantial investments and innovative financing mechanisms implemented.

He highlighted the federal government’s major road infrastructure projects, especially its four legacy projects, which cut across the six geopolitical zones.

These include the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the Sokoto-Badagry Expressway, the Calabar-Ebonyi-Abuja (Trans-Sahara) Highway and the Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe-Maiduguri-Yola corridor with a spur from Jos to Ibi in Taraba State. Goronyo explained that the projects were conceived not simply as road-building initiatives but as strategic investments that would promote connectivity, stimulate trade, create job opportunities and strengthen national integration. These are investments that will earn carbon credits for the country through the use of eco-friendly concrete instead of asphalt in construction, the construction of dams for irrigation and renewable energy, solar-powered street lighting and windmill technology along the coastal corridor.

According to him, the completion of the projects would significantly facilitate transportation across geopolitical zones, enable farmers to move their produce to markets faster, improve industrial access to raw materials and markets, and provide safer and more comfortable movement for Nigerians. He pointed out that the Federal Ministry of Works is also adopting rigid pavement technology as part of efforts to build durable roads that can withstand heavy traffic and high water tables, thereby reducing road settlements.

Goronyo said the approach was particularly important given the pressure placed by heavy vehicles on the country’s roads, stressing that effective rail transport would complement it by moving a significant portion of heavy goods.

The Minister of State also urged Nigerians to protect public infrastructure, warning against vandalism and theft of road and bridge furniture and other critical assets. He called on communities to take ownership of infrastructure in their areas and assist government agencies in protecting public assets.

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Land Transport, Senator Adamu Aliero, has commended the Federal Government for the level of resources committed to road infrastructure under President Tinubu. He described road infrastructure as critical to national development, adding that no country has achieved sustainable economic growth without a good road network. He applauded the Council’s theme as timely, providing an opportunity for stakeholders in the land, water and air transport sector to harmonize policies and develop a sustainable intermodal transport strategy for the country.

He assured that the National Assembly will continue to support initiatives aimed at developing a reliable and efficient transport network across the country.

Representing the Honorable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, at the Council, the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Alhaji Abdullahi Idi, highlighted the significant progress recorded in the Nigerian aviation sector under the current administration. He said the administration was focused on improving aviation safety, modernizing infrastructure, supporting local airlines, building human capacity, strengthening regulatory frameworks and strengthening Nigeria’s position as a regional aviation hub.

According to him, Nigeria recorded an effective implementation score of 91.45% in the April 2026 ICAO safety audit, describing the achievement as a significant milestone for the sector. He revealed that the administration is also reviewing and strengthening bilateral air services agreements (BASAs) with strategic international partners to improve connectivity, facilitate trade and tourism, attract investment and create job opportunities.

He stressed that the ultimate measure of success would be the extent to which aviation policies translate into jobs, investment, trade, tourism, affordable connectivity, increased carrying capacity and sustainable economic growth.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, Eng. Olufunso Adebiyi, FNSE, has revealed that the Ministry is working to strengthen law enforcement mechanisms by leveraging technology to ensure that traffic offenses are adequately detected and penalized. He explained that the technological systems will allow authorities to identify vehicles and drivers involved in traffic violations and facilitate the rapid application of sanctions.

Adebiyi said the aim is to develop a system where violators cannot easily evade sanctions, while ensuring that due process is followed before sanctions are imposed. He reassured that the proposed measures aim to improve compliance, road safety and responsible driving behavior across the country.

A representative of Global Foremost Impressions Ltd., Prof. Emmanuel Chijioke Ogbonna, described the integrated transport model promoted by the Federal Government as innovative and transformative.

He said the discussions at the Council provided valuable insights into how the integration of road, rail and other modes of transport could address Nigeria’s transport challenges. Ogbonna expressed optimism that effective implementation of the policy would transform Nigeria’s transport sector and provide a more efficient, convenient, safe and seamless transport system.

The 19th National Transport Council brought together key stakeholders from road, rail, aviation, maritime and other related sectors to deliberate on policies and strategies for the development of an efficient, integrated and sustainable transport system for Nigeria.

The Council reaffirmed stakeholders’ commitment to greater collaboration, strategic investments and coordinated policy implementation towards building a seamless transport system capable of supporting economic growth, national integration and improved quality of life for Nigerians.

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