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The Modest Success Story Of Nutl In Fct [1] By Emeka Oraetoka
When the Ministry of Federal Capital Territory under the leadership of Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, introduced the mass transit Scheme for the federal capital, with Nationwide Unity Transport Limited (NUTL), as one of the carriers under that administration Public/Private partnership; many in FCT and beyond dismissed the scheme as one of those Federal Government white elephant projects that will soon become history.
Three (3) years on, Nationwide Unity Transport Limited (NUTL), has somehow, managed to stay afloat in the industry despite the skepticism that greeted its introduction as a model transport system befitting the FCT as the modern Capital of Federal Republic of Nigeria; by being in operation in-spite of great problems stalking it. Today, one can conveniently say that NUTL has achieved modest success in its primary area of operation- provision of transport service; the problems bedeviling its operational efficiency notwithstanding. We may say that NUTL has indeed, actively contributed its quota towards ensuring robust intra/inter state economic activities; through it's near round the clock transport service to the people of FCT and beyond.
In the axis where the last administration confided its operation, NUTL has apart from the services in the municipality; continue to facilitate easy movement of people and goods from Suleja, in Niger State , to the Federal Capital Territory [FCT] on daily basis. This inter-state transport service being provided by NUTL has gone a long way in erasing the hardship that accompanied the demolition exercise carried out by the administration of Mallam Nasir El-Rufai. It will be recalled that when the demolition of illegal structures in FCT took place, many people left the city for places like Suleja and so on. The robust transparent service provided by NUTL at a moderately cheap price has made it possible for those residing in Suleja and beyond to feel being part of FCT.
In-fact, Nigerians living along Suleja axis have also benefited in no small terms from the service of NUTL. With NUTL services in place, it is now very easy for Nigerians to live in places like, Gwarimpa, Galadima, Dutse Alhaji, Bwarri, Kubwa, Yangogi, Zuba, Madalla etc, without much worry about transparent fee to the heart of Federal Capital City[FCC]. With just sixty (N60) to Eighty (N80) Naira, one can access the city capital through NUTL service. Just as the title of this write up suggests, the Nationwide unity Transport (NUTL) has within its short period of existence, recorded what could be regarded as moderate success in its activities. A lot however, still needs to be done for the Transport services to achieve full success in this sector, and probably serve as model and befitting transport service for the Federal Capital Territory [FCT], as Capital of Nigeria.
Ninety percent of what should be done to make Nationwide Unity Transport Limited (NUTL), a model transport service for FCT rest with Federal Government of Nigeria. As a model capital in Africa , Government must as a matter of policy give necessary incentives to Nationwide Unity Transport Limited, to enable it perform optimally. Since the necessary infrastructures facilities for efficient transport operation is lacking in the Capital City incentives like the provision of Diesel to NUTL on a subsidized rate, for instance, will go a long way in making its operation efficient. Government should also fund the overhead cost of the organization, so that it could be able to provide transport services to areas that are not commercially viable in the city. Provision of land at a subsidized rate to the company for the purpose of erecting staff quarters, should also take front stage in government’s efforts towards making NUTL a standard transport service provider in the Federal Capital City [FCC]. This is an important area where Government is expected to play a vital role.
EMEKA ORAETOKA Information Management Consultant& Researcher. Wrote in form Garki Abuja E-mail:oramekllis@lycos.com
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