The CCAC Nigeria Project Team has paid an advocacy visit to the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Transportation, Engr. Olufunsho Adebiyi,in Abuja as part of efforts to advance cleaner and more sustainable public transportation in Nigeria.
The visit,focused on strengthening government engagement and securing institutional support for initiatives aimed at reducing emissions and improving air quality in the country’s transportation sector.
Read also: World Bank Eyes Katsina CDP for Replication-Radda
The project, led by the University of Leeds in collaboration with the Africa Health Budget Network (AHBN) and Nana Girls Empowerment Initiative, is supporting the development of a National Policy on Soot-Free Buses and a National Strategy for the Deployment of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Electric Buses in Nigeria.
The initiative responds to a request from the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Transportation and is aimed at contributing to cleaner air, reduced emissions and improved public health outcomes.
During the engagement, the project team presented its objectives, ongoing activities and plans for the next phase of the initiative, with discussions focusing on strengthening institutional ownership and collaboration in the development of the proposed policy and strategy.
Following the presentation, the Permanent Secretary expressed support for the project and committed to participating in the Policy Development Workshop scheduled for November 2026.
Read also: 2027: NOA Mobilises 774 LGAs for Voter Education Campaign
The workshop is expected to bring together relevant government institutions, technical experts, development partners and other stakeholders to review emerging findings and contribute to the proposed national policy and strategy.
The Permanent Secretary also identified the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology (NITT), Zaria, as a key institution that could contribute to the technical process, describing the institute as a “fantastic agency” for the project.
The proposed involvement of NITT aligns with the project team’s request for the institute’s participation, given its expertise in transport policy, planning and related technical areas.
Another key outcome of the meeting was the proposal to establish a Task Team to review the policy and support the development of a strategic implementation plan. The Permanent Secretary welcomed the proposal, noting that such a mechanism would strengthen efforts to translate the policy into a practical implementation pathway.
Read also: Kebbi NLC Defends Governor Idris’ Workers’ Welfare Record
The engagement continued with officials of the Department of Road Transport, where the project team, guided by the project focal point, Mr. Temitope, provided further details on the proposed Policy Development Workshop and Task Team.
The Department also expressed its support for the CCAC project and pledged to participate in the forthcoming workshop, further strengthening collaboration towards cleaner and more sustainable public transportation in Nigeria.