Critical stakeholders in the transport and security sectors have expressed support for reforms aimed at creating a safer, more accessible and inclusive transportation system across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

They made the commitment on Wednesday at the “Safe Transport, Inclusive Abuja” Stakeholders Dialogue, organised by the United States Government Exchange Alumni Association of Nigeria (USGEAAN), Abuja Chapter.

Speaking at the dialogue, one of the coordinators of the initiative and spokesman for the House of Representatives, Hon. Akin Rotimi, said the programme was part of efforts by members of the Abuja Chapter of USGEAAN to translate the knowledge, exposure and experiences gained through United States Government-sponsored exchange programmes into practical interventions that would positively impact society.

Rotimi explained that the initiative was specifically designed to bring critical stakeholders together to discuss practical ways of improving safety and inclusion in the FCT transportation system.

“This programme today is a safe and inclusive initiative which is geared towards bringing stakeholders together to have this conversation to improve safety and inclusion,” he said.

According to him, the dialogue provided an opportunity for persons with disabilities and other commuters to share their lived experiences while navigating the transportation system in the nation’s capital.

“We’ve had people from the community, the various clusters, from the deaf, blind, and all of that, to talk about their lived experiences navigating transportation systems in Abuja, both from a safety and security point of view.

“And all of that feedback has been fed into policy recommendations which are going to be made,” Rotimi said.

The dialogue had in attendance representatives of the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), FCT Transportation Secretariat, National Commission for Persons with Disabilities and National Orientation Agency (NOA), among others.

Speaking at the event, a representative of the FCT Transportation Secretariat, Dr. Nanriet Emeje, commended the USGEAAN Abuja Chapter for translating the benefits of its members’ international exchange experiences into practical civic engagement.

“It is gladdening to see alumni of United States Government-sponsored exchange programmes turning that experience into practical civic engagement here at home, on an issue as central to the everyday life of this city as safe and inclusive mobility,” Emeje said.

She noted that the theme of the dialogue, “Safe Transport, Inclusive Abuja: Building Trust, Accountability, Security and Shared Prosperity for Every Commuter,” aligned closely with the mandate of the FCT Transportation Secretariat.

Also speaking, the representative of the FCT Commissioner of Police, Assistant Commissioner of Police Akaniyene Edward, assured participants that some of the concerns and observations raised during the dialogue would receive the attention of the Command.

Edward said signals would be sent to police divisions under the FCT Command, directing traffic wardens to pay particular attention to persons with disabilities and assist them whenever they encounter difficulties while using roads and other public transportation facilities.

Similarly, Mr. Sunday Adams Peter of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) said an effective transportation system must be inclusive and responsive to the needs of every segment of society.

He observed that there could not be an effective transport system when some categories of commuters were excluded or unable to access transportation services safely and conveniently.

Peter assured that the NSCDC would continue to collaborate with other security and relevant government agencies to strengthen the safety and security of commuters across the FCT.

On her part, Blessing Okoro of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) called on the FCT Administration to consider establishing specially designated and reserved motor parks and transportation facilities for persons with disabilities.

She said such facilities would help streamline their movement, improve accessibility and reduce some of the difficulties encountered by persons with disabilities while commuting within the city.

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