JNTSCN backs Tinubu’s transport reforms, launches nationwide safety training

The Joint National Transport Safety Committee of Nigeria (JNTSCN) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what it described as transformative transport infrastructure development, as it announced the nationwide launch of National Transport Health and Safety (HSE) Trainings and a Mandatory First Aid Kit Compliance Programme for commercial transport operators.

At a high-level strategic meeting with the Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi, the committee, led by Ambassador Taiwo Oluwadamilare Mogbojuri, confirmed full governmental backing for the initiative. The programme will target commercial transport, haulage, and truck operations across Nigeria.

The meeting, held in Abuja, marks a significant step in addressing transport-related accidents, occupational injuries, and on-route emergencies, challenges that persist despite improvements in road, rail and logistics infrastructure.

In his opening remarks, Ambassador Mogbojuri, National Executive Chairman of JNTSCN, stressed the need to match infrastructural renewal with safety reforms.

“Nigeria has witnessed remarkable infrastructural renewal under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, but infrastructure must be matched with safety practices that protect lives and commerce,” he said.

He explained that the National Transport Health and Safety Trainings would cover occupational safety, emergency response, defensive driving, hazard recognition and mandatory first aid kit compliance. The programme will be implemented in partnership with federal and state Ministries, Departments and Agencies, transport unions, private sector logistics firms, labour organisations and civil society groups.

Minister Dingyadi described the initiative as timely and critical to reducing the human cost of transport accidents.

“This collaborative initiative reflects the Federal Government’s pledge to protect lives, enhance workforce preparedness, and strengthen national health and safety frameworks. Through robust training and mandatory first aid compliance, we can significantly reduce the incidence and severity of transport-related casualties,” he said.

According to a joint communiqué issued after the meeting, the implementation strategy will involve the National Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), transport unions and employer associations, private haulage companies, worker representative bodies, insurance firms and emergency health response institutions.

The programme will require all commercial vehicles to carry standardised first aid kits, while drivers and transport managers will undergo comprehensive HSE certification and periodic compliance audits.

JNTSCN said the initiative aims to build a resilient transport workforce capable of responding effectively to road emergencies, improving first-response capacity, and reducing fatalities linked to inadequate safety preparedness.

The committee also commended President Tinubu’s administration for strengthening institutional coordination and improving national transport corridors, noting that safer operations must accompany infrastructure expansion to ensure sustainable economic growth.