Transportation has long been a pillar of human advancement—from rickshaws and steam engines to high-speed trains and supersonic jets. It is no surprise, then, that at this crucial stage of Nigeria’s economic transformation, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu prioritised the sector in his Renewed Hope Agenda by appointing a seasoned administrator to lead the charge: Senator Sai’du Ahmed Alkali, Minister of Transportation.
Senator Alkali brings a wealth of experience and institutional knowledge to his current role. Far from being a novice, he has walked the corridors of public service for years.
His journey began as Secretary of the Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board in Gombe State and later as Commissioner for Information. In 2010, he emerged victorious in a by-election to represent Gombe North Senatorial District under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), confirming his grassroots appeal and leadership prowess.
Re-elected in 2011 and again in 2019—this time under the All Progressives Congress (APC)—Alkali’s consistency in public service paved the way for his appointment as Minister of Transportation on August 16, 2023.
Since assuming office, Senator Alkali has wasted no time in implementing key reforms and initiating projects that align with the Tinubu administration’s development blueprint.
Among his early achievements is the re-commissioning of the Transport University in Daura, which he also helped secure access to the 2025 TETFund Intervention Fund—an important step in building capacity and fostering research in Nigeria’s transportation space.
In response to the fuel subsidy removal, Senator Alkali led the innovation of transitioning Nigeria’s railway system from diesel to more sustainable and cost-effective LNG-CNG energy sources. This strategic shift not only cuts operating costs but also supports Nigeria’s transition to cleaner energy.
His proactive approach also includes the launch of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered buses in Abuja, with plans to expand nationwide. Furthermore, under his leadership, the Ministry has turned what was once considered metal waste into economic value through recycling and repurposing projects.
During the 2023 festive season, the Ministry rolled out the Yuletide Road Transportation Palliative initiative to ease the burden of travel costs on Nigerians—another example of Alkali’s people-oriented policies.
With vision, competence, and a track record of delivery, Senator Sai’du Ahmed Alkali is indeed redefining the future of transportation in Nigeria.
