The Minister of Transportation, Sai'd Alkali, has charged heads of departments and agencies to explore avenues of collaboration that will boost operational efficiency and performance and foreign direct investments into the transport sector.

Alkali stated this over the week at the conclusion of a two-day ministerial retreat for heads of agencies under the ministry, as well departmental heads.

He said, "With the impending Land Transport Policy, coupled with well-defined objectives and strategies, we anticipate an influx of international private investors into our sector, and we have to deliver on our Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

"The transportation sector plays a pivotal role as a catalyst for economic growth and holds vast potential to sustain our nation's development and we have to reduce unemployment rates by creating both skilled and unskilled jobs, lower the cost of mobility, and streamline the movement of people, goods and services."

He noted that the development of the National Land Transport Policy (NLTP) was crucial in achieving a fast, safe, efficient, affordable, convenient, integrated and intermodal transport system that catered to Nigeria's socio-economic needs and enhanced the quality of life for all citizens.

Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr Oloruntola Olufemi, urged the MDAs to use the opportunity to collectively brainstorm solutions to the sector's challenges, adding that the ministry was committed to monthly reviews of agency performances and quarterly appraisals.

Also, the MD of the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC), Engr Fidget Okhiria, revealed that the Abuja-Kano Standard Gauge from Makarfi to Kano was at 80 per cent, adding that it should be ready by middle of 2025.