Transportation has been described as the gateway to economic growth and prosperity.
The Director General, Nigeria Institute Of Transport Technology (NITT), Zaria, Dr Bayero Salih Farah, stated this during a 2-day International conference on the role of transportation on African continental Free Trade Zone Area, organized by NITT in collaboration with Federal Ministry of Transportation, held in ABUJA.
Dr Farah noted that the International Conference comes on the heels of the NITT/FMOT National Conference on Sustainable Transport Infrastructure Development Financing in Nigeria held about three months ago, which discussed paradigm shift in transport infrastructure financing.
He pointed out that there was urgent need to explore the option of private participation in the funding of transportation infrastructure development which he said is one way of addressing the current transport infrastructure deficit in the country.
Furthermore, he stated that Transport infrastructure was widely seen as an enabling industry that facilitates national, regional and international integration and trade, adding that an effective transport system promotes competitiveness, market accessibility and economic growth.
The DG NITT who also stated that every other sector depends on transportation for growth and progress, noted that it was heartwarming that the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari has realized the critical role of transportation, and was working assiduously to make the Nigerian transport system among the best in Africa.
He listed some achievements of the federal government to include connecting some African highways to Nigeria, Massive railway projects across the country (even up to Niger Republic), deep sea port at Lagos free trade zone, Lekki, and various road constructions and rehabilitation.
He commended the Federal Government’s efforts to revive the National carriers in air and shipping, describing it as a right step in the right direction, saying It is high time Nigeria started taking advantage of being the largest economy in Africa.
He assured that the Institute was ever ready to carry out its mandate as the think tank for the industry by coming up with issues that will address the problems of the Transport and Logistics industry.
He a appealed to the participants to feel free to contribute meaningfully to discussions on the conference theme, aimed at enriching recommendations and resolutions.
