Sa'idu Ahmed Alkali

Sa'idu Ahmed Alkali (born 12 February 1969), a Nigerian politician and Senator for Gombe North senatorial district, initially elected in 2010. Quotes Through the Institute of Transport Technology in Zaria, we’ve initiated efforts to convert petrol-based vehicles to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). We have one conversion centre in Zaria and another in Abuja, with plans to establish additional centres in Enugu and Lagos soon. Progress may be gradual, but the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. As we expand, our goal is to cover all states across the federation. Upon successful conversion to CNG, car owners should expect significant savings. For instance, the cost to refill a converted vehicle’s cylinder and the distance it will cover offer around 300 to 400 per cent savings compared to petrol or diesel. As Minister of Transportation, my role is to ensure synergy between our ministry and the presidential committee on CNG. Moreover, through one of our agencies, we’ve already begun converting vehicles from diesel or petrol to CNG. The Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology (NITT) is the one handling this. Various government agencies, including the Nigerian Army, have brought their vehicles to us for conversion, and the Institute has successfully converted them. They have a conversion centre here in Abuja, allowing vehicles to switch between petrol and diesel, which can be invaluable in challenging terrains. The ministry plays a key coordinating role in both the railway and broader transport sectors. Recently, we sought intervention from the president regarding infrastructure, including roads, and he has approved the construction of port terminals in each geopolitical zone. The Ministry of Transportation is collaborating with the Ministry of Finance to secure funding from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for these terminals. Once completed, these terminals will be concessioned to ensure long-term sustainability. Naturally, as minister, I am concerned. Some incidents are due to human error, while others stem from technical issues. When these derailments began, I immediately convened a meeting with the Managing Director of the Railway and a team of engineers. We’ve implemented a range of measures, though I cannot disclose specifics due to security concerns. The Warri-Itakpe rail line is facing major issues. Where there used to be at least 10 coaches, now there are only two. This shortage causes significant hardship for travellers, forcing many to stand throughout the journey and sometimes pay inflated ticket prices. Consider the broader context. Diesel prices are high, and the cost of operating a single locomotive is substantial. The fares you pay don’t fully cover these operating costs. The government subsidises the service so that tickets remain affordable at N5,000. If you were to travel by road, you’d likely pay even more, so this is a significant benefit provided by the federal government. Absolutely. Everything I’ve mentioned aligns with the president’s priority list—establishing conversion centres, overseeing the university takeover, and enhancing both freight and rail services. These initiatives all reflect his core priorities. After all, government’s primary responsibility includes ensuring the welfare of its citizens. External links Category:Living people Category:1969 births