Stakeholders in the transport, security and public sectors have called for reforms to make Abuja’s transportation system safer, more accessible and inclusive, particularly for persons with disabilities and other vulnerable commuters.

The call was made on Wednesday during the “Safe Transport, Inclusive Abuja” Stakeholders Dialogue, organised by the United States Government Exchange Alumni Association of Nigeria (USGEAAN), Abuja Chapter.

The dialogue brought together representatives of government agencies, transport unions, security organisations, disability groups and other stakeholders to examine challenges confronting commuters in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and develop policy recommendations aimed at improving safety, accessibility and inclusion.

One of the coordinators of the initiative and spokesman of the House of Representatives, Akin Rotimi, said the programme was part of efforts by members of the Abuja Chapter of USGEAAN to translate the knowledge and experiences acquired through United States Government-sponsored exchange programmes into practical interventions that benefit society.

According to him, the dialogue was designed to foster collaboration among key stakeholders in addressing transportation challenges in the nation’s capital.

“This programme today is a safe and inclusive initiative which is geared towards bringing stakeholders together to have this conversation to improve safety and inclusion,” Rotimi said.

He noted that the event provided a platform for persons with disabilities to share their lived experiences navigating Abuja’s transport system, with the feedback expected to shape policy recommendations.

“We’ve had people from the community, the various clusters, from the deaf, blind, and all of that, to talk about their lived experiences navigating transportation systems in Abuja, both from a safety and security point of view.

“And all of that feedback has been fed into policy recommendations which are going to be made,” he added.

Participants included representatives of the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), FCT Transportation Secretariat, National Commission for Persons with Disabilities and the National Orientation Agency (NOA), among others.

Representing the FCT Transportation Secretariat, Dr. Nanriet Emeje commended the organisers for transforming international exchange experiences into practical civic engagement.

“It is gladdening to see alumni of United States Government-sponsored exchange programmes turning that experience into practical civic engagement here at home, on an issue as central to the everyday life of this city as safe and inclusive mobility,” she said.

Emeje said the theme of the dialogue, “Safe Transport, Inclusive Abuja: Building Trust, Accountability, Security and Shared Prosperity for Every Commuter,” aligned with the Secretariat’s mandate of providing an accessible, safe, affordable, efficient and integrated transportation system across the FCT.

She stressed that the mobility needs of persons with disabilities must be deliberately incorporated into transportation planning and implementation rather than treated as an afterthought.

Speaking, Assistant Commissioner of Police Akaniyene Edward, who represented the FCT Commissioner of Police, assured participants that issues raised during the dialogue would receive the attention of the Command.

He disclosed that directives would be issued to police divisions across the FCT to ensure traffic wardens pay greater attention to persons with disabilities and assist them whenever they encounter challenges while using roads and public transport facilities.

Representing the NSCDC, Sunday Adams Peter said an effective transportation system must be inclusive and responsive to the needs of every category of commuter.

He pledged the Corps’ continued collaboration with other security agencies and relevant institutions to strengthen commuter safety across the FCT.

Representative of the FRSC, Blessing Okoro urged the FCT Administration to establish designated motor parks and transportation facilities for persons with disabilities to improve accessibility and ease their movement within the city.

Participants also advocated stronger inter-agency collaboration, improved transport infrastructure, enhanced accountability among transport operators and the deliberate inclusion of persons with disabilities in transport planning and policymaking.