We are developing Nigeria’s transport economy to international Standards – Rotimi Amaechi
The Minister of Transport, Dr. Rotimi Amaechi has said that the Federal Government is developing Nigeria’s transport economy to international Standards and for it to contribute more meaningfully to the Nation’s Growth and to overall economic and social activities in the country. The Minister said this at the National Transport Workshop organized by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry under the theme, ”Capacity Building in The Transportation Industry vis-a-vis the Railway, Maritime and Aviation subsectors” held on Thursday August 16, at the LCCI conference Center, Alausa, Lagos.
The minister who was represented at the occasion by one of his aides, Dr. Sokonte Davies, said that for the government’s vision to be realized, capacity in the transport sector must be built in the relevant areas of Human Capital development, Infrastructural development and Finance.
On human capital he said the Federal Government has done much in this area and will continue to pursue human capital development in the areas of ship building and repairs, engineering, meteorology, dock worker training, rail engineering, logistics, environment, clearing and forwarding and in aviation, amongst others.
He explained that it is this trust in human capital development that compelled the FGN to establish such institutions as the Nigerian Maritime Academy, Oron and the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria. The private universities are being encouraged to follow suit and run transport related courses in their universities. He further said that the FGN is developing capacity in the Nigerian railways in collaboration with the Chinese Rail Organizations.
On Infrastructure the Minister said that the government is focused on establishing a backbone on which the transport sector thrive and deliver service to the nations businesses. This he said are in such areas as modern rail lines, ship building and repair yard, Container Terminals, Sea and Airports, including the new National Carrier for the Country. Nigeria Air.
Speaking further, Dr. Amaechi said the Government is inviting the private sector to step up its activities in funding, insurance and reinsurance for the transport sector. “ Insurance will enable the country operate within International Standards and will attract further investments in the sector”, he said.
By Jacob Koudoyo, News Correspondent, BusinessTrumpet News
