NTCF Convenes National Forum to Drive Urban Mobility Reform

The Nigeria Transportation Commissioners Forum (NTCF), led by its Chairman, Engr. Olugbenga Dairo, has inaugurated the 2nd National Stakeholders’ Forum on the National Urban Mobility Program (NUMP) in Abuja, marking a major step toward reforming urban transportation across Nigeria.

The high-level forum, supported by the World Bank, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), and the Federal Ministry of Transportation, brought together key stakeholders to advance a coordinated and sustainable approach to urban mobility in Nigerian cities and towns.

In his opening remarks, Engr. Dairo said the forum was convened to strengthen collaboration among federal and state actors in transforming urban transport systems. He recalled that resolutions from the maiden stakeholders’ forum in September 2024 informed the World Bank’s decision to conduct detailed urban transport studies in selected cities, which ultimately culminated in the development of the National Urban Mobility Program.

He noted that the forum comes at a strategic moment, following the Federal Government’s adoption of the National Land Transport Policy, and praised the Federal Ministry of Transportation for swiftly translating policy into action by positioning the NUMP as a central framework for urban transport reform.

According to Engr. Dairo, the NUMP is a collaborative national framework designed to support states in modernizing transport infrastructure, improving service delivery, reducing congestion, and enhancing commuter safety and welfare. He stressed that the forum provides an important platform for state commissioners to align with federal priorities and explore technical and financial partnerships needed for effective implementation.

Contributing to the discussions, the Special Adviser to the Governor of Ondo State on Transport, Hon. Akogun Olugbenga Omole, reaffirmed the Ondo State Government’s commitment to the objectives of the NUMP. He highlighted ongoing and planned initiatives aimed at improving urban mobility in the state, noting that participation in the national programme would strengthen planning, coordination, and access to development support.

Hon. Omole emphasized the importance of strong institutional coordination and data-driven decision-making in achieving sustainable urban transport outcomes. In the same vein, the Administrative Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Tope Lebile, underscored the role of administrative efficiency and inter-agency collaboration in translating national policies into tangible results at the state level.

Also speaking, the Director of Planning, Research and Engineering, Engr. Gbenga Ajibola, stressed the need for research, innovation, and evidence-based planning in urban mobility reforms. He said continuous capacity development would enable states to design transport systems that are inclusive, resilient, and responsive to the needs of rapidly growing urban populations.

During a panel session titled “Perspectives on Urban Mobility in Nigeria,” participants acknowledged the financial and political challenges facing the transport sector. Engr. Dairo reiterated that the NTCF is working closely with the Nigeria Governors’ Forum to strengthen intergovernmental collaboration and ensure that transportation remains a priority in national and sub-national development agendas.

The forum ended with a shared commitment by stakeholders to deepen cooperation, mobilize resources, and fast-track the implementation of sustainable, efficient, and inclusive urban mobility solutions to drive economic growth and improve the quality of life for Nigerians.