FG directs NITT To Heighten Training Of Road Transport Operators to Curb Accidents

The Federal Government has directed the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology, NITT, Zaria to step up training of road transport operators to check their excesses with a view to reducing carnage in the sector.

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Transportation, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, gave this directive today when she led Members of the House of Representatives, House Committee on Land Transport in the National Assembly, Commissoners and Permanent Secretaries of Transportation Ministries in the 36 States of the Federation on an assessment tour of NITT, Kano Outreach Centre located in Dawakin Kudu area of the State.

She expressed optimism that with the facilities on ground, the linstitute is poised not only to play its statutory role but on the path of becoming self-sufficient as well as being a revenue generating agency.

Welcoming the delegation, the Director General, NITT, Bayero Salih-Farah, disclosed that the Kano Outreach Centre is one amongst others located in Gombe, Ebonyi, Lagos, Abuja, Katsina, Benue and Ekiti (near completion), to provide training, acquisition of skills, professional training in the transport sector.as well as other opportunities for technical learning.

Leading the delegation on a facility tour of the Centre, Farah, directed a demonstration of installed equipment. There is a simulation section for intending motor vehicle drivers, a welding segment, automotive spray booth but most notable is a simulation provision for heavy duty vehicles such as forklifts, articulated vehicles, tractors and other earth moving vehicles. According to him, it become necessary as this class of operators do not go through the necessary orientation before taking the wheels hence putting lives and infrastructures of government at risk.

He further informed the team that the Center is ready to train available persons and enjoined State governments, transport companies, individuals or participants under government empowerment learning schemes to take advantage of the opportunities being offered.

Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, House of Representatives member representing Zango Kataf/Jabba Federal Constituency, Amos Gwamna Magaji, expressed delight with the out of the box initiatives being adopted by Director General and promised support of the House in whatever capacity it can.

The Centre also has hostels for male and female and recreational facilities which include-a gym, a basket ball, lawn and table tennis courts, badminton amongst others.

It may be recalled that Farah was appointed May 6, 2019.

Eric Ojiekwe,
D, PPR,
September 10, 2021