The Minister of Transportation, Sen. Said Alkali, has called for effective harnessing of all transport systems for the purpose of economic growth.
Alkali stated this in Abuja, at the fourth edition of the Annual Seminar of Abuja Transport and Aviation Correspondents Association (ATACA), adding that accurate, balanced media reportage of the transportation sector will aide the actualisation of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Minister who was represented by his Special Assistant (Technical), Dr. Shuaibu Danwaka, while speaking on the seminar’s theme: “Harnessing the Aviation, Railway, Marine and Blue Economy Sectors for Sustainable Transportation in Nigeria”.
explained that, there is a need for stakeholders in the transport sector to support the Federal government efforts in harnessing the sector for the gains of the economy.
According to him, although Nigerian farmers looses billions of naira due to lack of modern storage facilities for consumables due to the challenges confronting the transport sector, these challenges can be ameliorated if all transport systems are harnessed and made easy for the farmers, and other Nigerians to navigate easily with choice.
He urged the media to be ethical in the discharge of their public information dissemination role so that Nigerians will appreciate the dynamics of the present administration’s resolve to prioritise transportation on top scale of its governance strategy for economic growth.
Alkali congratulated ATACA for choosing a theme that is in consonance with current global realities, enabler of economic growth.
“It is my hope that the event will address the critical issues that constitute impediments towards effectiveness of land, air and marine transportation in Nigeria, he said.
The President, Nigeria Bangladesh Business Technology Forum and the Ajaokuta Chamber of Commerce, Arc. Bob Achanya, who spoke on the ‘Nexus of Multimodal Transportation Systems’, noted that the concept of multimodal transportation is not new, but it is strategic in the integration within Nigeria’s emerging blue economy framework offers unparalleled opportunities.
According to him, the effective interconnectedness of aviation, railway, and marine sector, will result in a seamless and resilient transportation network, reduces transportation costs, and boosts the overall efficiency of the country’s logistics and supply chain systems.
Arc. Achanya said the Tinubu administration has embarked on several landmark projects across various geopolitical zones, aimed at revitalizing the nation’s transportation infrastructure and driving economic growth.
He further said leveraging the strengths of the country’s aviation, road, railway, marine, and blue economy sectors, would create a unique opportunity to foster sustainable economic growth.
The Chairman of ATACA, Mr Oru Leonard, in his welcome address explained a country’s transportation system and businesses, whether Air, Land or Sea, thrive on adequate security and safety.
He called on government security agencies, regulators and enforcers of the relevant laws to protect, and strengthen critical infrastructure in the transportation sector.
According to him, “In harnessing the Aviation, Railway, Marine and Blue Economy sectors for Sustainable Transportation in Nigeria, Land Transportation and the Railway sub-sectors should be guarded and funded properly while seeking collaborations around the globe.
“It is my firm belief that to achieve adequate communication, enlightenment, feedback and getting the expected change in perception of governance by citizens, the budget of ministries and agencies in this sector should cover all facets of the Media, including training of Press units’ staff and external media partners, as well as increased involvement of ATACA members to inspections and regular Media parley,” he said.
