Kayode Shopekan
FEDERAL Government has emphasised its commitment to boost economic development and provide sustainable transportation infrastructure in the country.
The Permanent Secretary to the Federal Ministry of Transportation, Mrs Magdalene Ajani, made the statement during the technical session of the 16th conference of the National Council on Transportation (NCT) with the theme, ‘Sustainable Transportation: A Panacea for National Development
Join our WhatsApp ChannelIn her words, “transportation has proven to be one of the critical factors of development at the heart of economic growth and prosperity of any nation.”
Ajani affirmed that transportation as the lubricant and engine of economic development, should be given its rightful place, if sustainable development is to be achieved.
She disclosed that the federal government has embarked on the implementation of a multi-modal transport system, a revitalisation programme, and massive investment in the sector, in spite of the nation’s economic challenge.
Notable among these achievements are the completion and inauguration of the Warri-Itakpe, the Lagos-Ibadan Standard Gauge rail lines, and the inauguration of the Deep Blue Sea project, to improve security and reduce piracy at sea.
The permanent secretary charged participants at the 16th NCT to take advantage of the forum to interact and exchange ideas and information that could contribute to the growth of the sector.
Speaking at the event, Kano State Commissioner for Housing and Transport, Mahmoud Sansti, corroborated the idea that transportation plays a huge role in attaining economic growth and development. He however noted that the sector was facing a lot of challenges, and urged participants to work hard to address challenges in the sector.
Managing Director, Infrastructure Bank Plc, Ross Oluyede, pointed out that the sector was fraught with insufficient transport infrastructure and lack of investments, and suggested that the Federal Government creates a Public Private Partnership strategy to uplift the current state of the sector.
