Senate throws out bill to establish road transport council

The Nigerian Senate has thrashed a bill seeking to establish a National Road Transport Council that would be saddled with regulating the road transport industry.

The Bill, sponsored by Ashiru Oyelola, a senator representing Kwara South also sought to regulate the transport profession in Nigeria.

During plenary on Thursday, Oyeola argued that the Council, if established will create an effective regulatory framework for road transport service operators and determine the standard of knowledge and skills required for road transport service operators.

The Lawmaker said the Council will ensure accessibility of road transport facilities, register all road transport service providers and determine the fees for such registration, among other functions.

Some lawmakers supported the Bill, but several others opposed it, noting that establishing a Council was unnecessary.

Adams Oshiomhole, the lawmaker representing Edo North argued that Nigeria already has a ministry of transport and several agencies already carrying out the mandates proposed in the Bill.

He said the 10th Senate must not be seen as frustrating efforts of the federal government to reduce the cost of governance by creating an agency that will require the appointment of additional staff.

Godswill Akpabio, the Senate President then put the Bill to a voice vote and a majority of lawmakers voted against it.

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