Abbas: FG Deepens Investment in Transport Infrastructure, Skills, Innovation
By Umar Idris, Zaria
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has said the Federal Government is intensifying efforts to reposition Nigeria’s transport sector through strategic investments in infrastructure, human capital development, technical education, professional training and innovation.
Abbas stated this in a speech delivered on his behalf by the Director-General of the National Water Resources Institute, Dr. Abduljalal Danbaba, at the maiden Convocation Ceremony of the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology (NITT), Zaria.
The Speaker said the Federal Government recognised the strategic importance of NITT to the development of a skilled workforce capable of driving the country’s transportation system and responding to emerging challenges in the sector.
He commended the Institute for its contributions to professional training, capacity building, research and the development of specialised manpower for Nigeria’s transport industry.
According to him, the various certificates and diplomas awarded at the ceremony reflected NITT’s commitment to integrating academic knowledge with practical competencies required in the transport and logistics sector.
He described transportation as a critical component of national development, noting that an efficient transport system facilitates the movement of people and goods, strengthens trade and industry, connects communities and contributes significantly to economic growth.
Abbas, however, stressed that infrastructure alone could not guarantee an efficient and sustainable transport system.
He said Nigeria also required well-trained professionals with the technical expertise to plan, develop, operate, maintain and manage transport infrastructure and services effectively.
The Speaker therefore challenged the graduands to deploy the knowledge and skills acquired at NITT towards addressing the country’s transportation challenges and contributing to national development.
He urged them to embrace innovation, professionalism and continuous learning as they begin their careers in the transport industry.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Transportation, Engr. Adebiyi Olusesan Olufunsho, described the maiden convocation as a landmark achievement for NITT and an important step in strengthening Nigeria’s transport manpower base.
Olufunsho commended the Institute for its contribution to professional and technical training, saying its programmes were helping to produce manpower capable of meeting the evolving demands of the transportation sector.
He disclosed that the Federal Government was planning the construction of a rail line linking Abuja with Zaria, adding that rail connectivity would also extend to Kaduna, Kano, Daura and Katsina.
The proposed rail development, he said, would enhance movement across the region while creating employment opportunities for Nigerians, particularly those with relevant technical and professional skills.
The Permanent Secretary also announced automatic employment for the two overall best graduating students and scholarships for them to further their education at degree level.
He called on members of the National Assembly to emulate the scholarship initiative of Speaker Abbas as part of broader efforts to invest in Nigerian youths, describing education and skills development as important tools for addressing unemployment, crime and insecurity.
Olufunsho further called for stronger collaboration between government, educational and training institutions and industry stakeholders to ensure that graduates acquire practical skills that correspond with the needs of the modern workplace.
Also speaking, the Emir of Zazzau, Malam Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli, represented by the Sarkin Fadan Zazzau, Alhaji Abbas Ahmad Fatika, congratulated the graduands on their achievement.
He described the convocation as the culmination of years of dedication, discipline, sacrifice and perseverance by the students, supported by their parents, guardians, lecturers and the academic community.
The Emir reminded the graduands that the value of education extends beyond certificates, urging them to uphold integrity, humility, discipline, good character and a strong sense of responsibility in their professional and personal lives.
In his welcome address, the Director-General/Chief Executive of NITT, Dr. Bayero Salih Farah, said the Institute had continued to expand its academic, professional and research capacities to meet the changing demands of Nigeria’s transport industry.
Farah said NITT’s programmes were designed to equip students with a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical experience in transport technology, logistics, supply chain management, road safety, infrastructure development and other emerging areas.
He disclosed that the Institute had invested in modern workshops, laboratories and research facilities, while strengthening partnerships with industry stakeholders to expose students to practical aspects of their chosen professions.
The Director-General also acknowledged the Federal Government’s support for the development of the Institute, particularly investments in modern workshops and laboratory facilities.
He expressed appreciation to Speaker Abbas for sponsoring more than 200 students under his scholarship programme, describing the gesture as a significant contribution to youth empowerment and human capital development.
Farah urged the graduands to remain committed to professional excellence and to uphold the reputation of NITT as they enter the workforce.
The ceremony featured the presentation of certificates, diplomas and prizes to outstanding students.
More than 200 graduands received certificates and diplomas in various transport- and logistics-related programmes, while graduates of the National Vocational Certificate (NVC) programme were presented with starter kits to support their transition into employment and entrepreneurship.
The maiden convocation marked a major milestone in the development of NITT and underscored the growing importance of specialised education and technical skills in building an efficient, modern and sustainable transport system for Nigeria.
This version is structured more like a national newspaper report, with the strongest development issues—transport infrastructure, rail connectivity, employment, skills and scholarships—brought forward
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