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Environmental Sustainability: FG To Promote Greener Transportation
The Federal Government, yesterday, said that it had recognised the need to achieve a greener transportation system to promote environmental friendliness across the country.
The Minister of State for Transportation, Mrs Gbemisola Saraki made this known during a maiden edition of the National Transportation Technology Conference and Exhibition in Lagos.
The theme of the programme is: “Multimodality and Accessibility: Achieving a Greener Transport System in Nigeria.”
Green Transportation is defined as any means of transportation that doesn’t negatively impact the environment.
Saraki, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Mrs Magdelene Ajani, explained that the ministry was in the process of reviewing a policy on Non-Motorised Transportation (NMT).
According to her, this is being done in conjunction with the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) to achieve a greener transportation in the country.
She said achieving a greener transportation system reflected Nigerians thirst for a well-structured sustainable, seamless and environmentally friendly transport system.
Saraki added that this innovation would provide the modalities on delivering environmentally friendly transportation that would stimulate investment/ innovation in transportations technology.
The minister said the Road Transport Transformation Programme (RTTP) of the Road Sub-Sector had strongly advocated the reduction of harmful greenhouse gases.
She said there were also moves to roll out Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) mass buses and also encourage commercial operators to convert their vehicles to CNG.
Saraki said: “The ministry has commenced the delineation of the sea approaches to the ports as Slow Steaming Areas for ships in compliance with United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC).
“The ministry, through Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has constituted an Energy Management Team to implement processes for the reduction and optimisation of energy utilisation at the ports.
“Also, the ministry through NIMASA constituted a National Technical Committee (NTC) on the reduction of Green House Gas (GHG) Emission in the Maritime industry in Nigeria; among others.”
Saraki said the ministry would not rest on its oars but would increase efforts in addressing infrastructure constraints and promote Information Communication Technology in all mode of transportation, particularly in the road sub-sector.
She said this environmental sustainably would improve safety, convenience, travel time and cost of transportation within Africa with corresponding reduction in carbon/particulate emissions and reduction in loss of lives.
The minister said the multimodal transport and transit systems could provide an array of options for passenger and freight transport and successfully connect citizens and countries.
Delivering his address, Lagos State Governor, BabajideSanwo-Olu,noted that the government had leveraged on technology to lay over 6,000kilometers of Metro Network Connection Fibre within the state to improve intermodal transportation.
Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Secretary to the Lagos State Government,Mrs FolasadeJaji, noted said the move was a clear testament of the government’s resolve to make Lagos a 24-hour driven smart city.
The governor explained that the fibre optics laying would fast track higher bandwidth which would result to faster Internet speed, with stronger security because it keeps users data secure.
He said, “The project also allows smart technology access into the already existing transport infrastructure surveillance of the state. For a city like ours, that is a big boost to the transport sector.”
On her part, the outgoing Chairperson, Nigerian Transportation Commissioner Forum, Mrs RahmatuMuhammed, noted the forum had analysed various issues affecting the growth of the transportation industry.
Muhammed added that the solution to those issues was identified which was to be embedded in Technology.
She said: “Since then, all efforts have been channelled towards introducing a National Transportation Technology and Exhibition Conference aimed at bringing all key stakeholders in the transportation industry under one umbrella.
“This is to explore emerging trends in the global transportation space and evaluate feasible ways to implement and domesticate these trends in our rather stagnant or dwindling sector for state and national economic growth and development.”
Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps, Dr BoboyeOyeyemi, said the Intermodal transportation system in the country was a way forward for better and efficient transport operations.
Oyeyemi said Lagos was the best example of the Intermodal transportation in the country.
He added that if the inter connectivity could be perfected; it would solve the traffic problems in the state and other parts of the country.
“Lagos has 40per cent of the Nigerian population and if Lagos can achieve Intermodal transportation, then half of the interconnectivity of all means of transportation in other states will be resolved,”Oyeyemi said.
He also called for National Transport Policy to enable transportation in the country to be sustained.
The Rivers State Government has commended the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) for its outstanding contributions to the development of Rivers State, particularly in the areas of peacebuilding, education, healthcare, and moral development.
Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, stated that the Church has remained a dependable partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, moral discipline, and social harmony across society.
The Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Dagogo Wokoma, made the remarks during the thanksgiving service marking the 30th Anniversary and First Session of the 11th Synod of the Diocese of Niger Delta North, held at St. Peter’s Anglican Church on Sunday.
Governor Fubara described the Synod’s theme, “Kingdom Advancement: The Priority of Every Believer,” as timely and relevant, considering the prevailing realities in society.
According to him, the Church continues to play a vital role in shaping societal values and inspiring hope among citizens.
“The Church remains a vital partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, and moral discipline. Its role in shaping values and inspiring hope cannot be overemphasized,” he stated.
The Governor further acknowledged the Anglican Communion’s contributions in education, healthcare delivery, youth empowerment, humanitarian services, and spiritual guidance across communities in Rivers State.
“The Rivers State Government appreciates the invaluable contributions of the Anglican Communion in education, healthcare, youth development, humanitarian support, and spiritual guidance. Your impact across communities in Rivers State continues to strengthen families and promote peaceful coexistence among our people,” he added.
Governor Fubara reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a peaceful, united, and prosperous Rivers State where all citizens can thrive irrespective of religion, ethnicity, or social background.
He also urged the Synod to continue praying for sustainable development and progress in Rivers State and Nigeria at large.
Earlier in his sermon, the Guest Minister, Joseph Olushola, spoke on the topic, “Kingdom Investment and Internal Rewards,” urging Christians to remain faithful stewards of God’s blessings and committed to advancing God’s kingdom through service and generosity.
The cleric emphasized that believers are custodians of the virtues and resources entrusted to them by God, stressing that divine rewards are based on faithfulness and impact rather than material possessions.
The Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, in partnership with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), has reaffirmed support for efforts to expand gas distribution infrastructure in Rivers State as part of initiatives aimed at improving access to affordable, cleaner and more reliable energy for industries across the South-South region.
The commitment was highlighted during the SNG–MAN Business Forum held in Port Harcourt, where stakeholders from the industrial and public sectors examined the role of natural gas in driving industrialisation, boosting local production and strengthening energy security.
Speaking at the forum on behalf of the Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, the company’s Head of Gas Distribution, Mr. Chukwuka Amos Ejesi, described natural gas as a critical component of Nigeria’s energy mix and a key driver of sustainable industrial growth.
According to him, Nigeria’s gas development agenda has reached a stage where policy direction must be matched with practical implementation capable of addressing the energy challenges confronting manufacturers.
He noted that pipeline gas offers industries a cleaner, more dependable and cost-effective energy alternative capable of supporting uninterrupted operations, reducing emissions and improving production efficiency.
“Gas is the backbone of manufacturing, and we are encouraged by the growing recognition among stakeholders of the need for cleaner and more reliable energy solutions,” he said.
Ejesi stressed the need for sustained collaboration among energy providers, government institutions and industrial stakeholders to maximise the country’s gas resources for economic development.
He added that improved gas infrastructure would strengthen manufacturing value chains, enhance productivity and promote more competitive industrial operations across Rivers State and the wider South-South region.
Participants at the forum also emphasised the importance of expanding energy infrastructure as a pathway to unlocking industrial capacity, reducing operating costs and promoting sustainable industrial development.
Representing Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Director-General of the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency, Dr. Chamberlain Peterside, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to partnering with private sector investors to revitalise industrial activities in the state.
He identified key projects targeted under the initiative to include the revival of the Ahoada Industrial Park, the New Port City project and the proposed Bonny Industrial Park, all aimed at stimulating economic growth and expanding industrial opportunities along the Bonny corridor.
According to the governor, the long-term vision is to position Rivers State as a leading manufacturing hub in Southern Nigeria through strategic public-private partnerships.
Governor Fubara also commended Shell Nigeria Gas and MAN for sustaining engagements geared towards improving industrial energy access, noting that gas infrastructure development remains central to the state’s economic recovery plans.
He further observed that the gas sector presents enormous opportunities for economic growth, especially as global energy systems continue to shift towards cleaner energy sources.
The governor called on stakeholders to work collectively towards developing a practical and sustainable gas framework capable of supporting the state’s industrial and energy development objectives.
By; Kevin Nengia
Rivers State Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, has charged newlywed couples to build their marriages on the virtues of love and submission as taught in the Word of God.
Prof. Odu gave the charge at the wedding ceremony of Amblessed Favour Sunny-Cookey and Samson Jesuganji at Lifegate Power Ministries, Dominion Cathedral, in Port Harcourt on Saturday, 16th May 2026.
The Deputy Governor congratulated the couple on beginning a new phase of life together and prayed for God’s blessings upon their union, noting that the couple had been raised by godly parents and encouraged them to uphold the Christian values instilled in them.
Referring to the sermon delivered during the ceremony, Prof. Odu emphasized that the principles of love and submission remain fundamental to a successful marriage.
According to her, genuine love reflects the nature of God, stressing that love should remain the foundation of the couple’s relationship as they journey through life together.
Prof. Odu further prayed for enduring peace, happiness, and progress in the home, expressing confidence that the marriage would continue to flourish under God’s guidance.
The Deputy Governor also commended the families of the couple for their support and upbringing, while urging the newlyweds to always remember the significance of the day and the commitment they had made before God and witnesses.
In his sermon at the wedding, the Founder and Presiding Pastor of Salvation Ministries, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, stated that marriage did not originate from Western culture, traditions, or human ideas, but from God, whom he described as the “manufacturer” of marriage.
According to the cleric, couples seeking lasting and peaceful homes must rely on biblical principles rather than societal trends or assumptions.
He explained that many marital crises and rising divorce rates stem from ignorance and failure to apply scriptural teachings in family life.
Drawing from the biblical parable of building a house on a rock, Pastor Ibiyeomie said the Word of God remains the only solid foundation capable of sustaining marriages through challenges and difficult times.
He noted that marriage naturally comes with unexpected realities and pressures, stressing that religious ceremonies or cultural practices alone are not enough to sustain a home without proper understanding of God’s instructions.
The pastor further warned that ignorance of scripture remains one of the greatest weapons against believers, urging Christians to study and practice the Word of God rather than merely attending church services.
It would be recalled that the bride is the daughter of Pastor Sunny Cookey the Founder and Presiding Pastor of Lifegate Ministries. The Ceremony had lots of Ministers in attendance which includes Apostle Zilly Aggrey, Pastor George Izunwa, and Bishop Winston Iwo