ATACA SEMINAR 2022: Stakeholders Call for Increased Investment, Collaboration and Coordination of the Transport Sector
Oru Leonard
Stakeholders in the transportation, aviation sector has called on government at federal and state levels to increase investment and collaboration on to the sector as part of the strategy to salvage the nation’s troubled economy.
The call was made at Abuja yesterday, during the 2022 edition of the Abuja Transport and Aviation Correspondents Association (ATACA).
The Guest Speaker, Chief Economic Adviaer , Cross River State and Former Private Sector Specialist at African Development Bank, Dr Francis Ntamu said collaboration and coordination between the Ministries, Agencies as well as international and local investors is the key to achieving results in the transportation sector. The theme is, “Nigeria’s Troubled Economy: Aviation, Rail, Maritime As Rescue Sectors”.
Drawing comparison between the economic growth in Ethiopia, Egypt and Nigeria, with Ethiopia having the highest growth rate which he attributed to a robust air and rail transport system. He called on government to dredge Nigeria’s port to 17km so as to enable larger vessels berth which he said will increase job creation and revenue generation.
He stressed that rail transportation is a catalyst for improved economic growth, poverty reduction and inclusiveness as it boosts demand for goods and services, enhances competition and new jobs; and also ensures even flow of commodities.
On the maritime, Dr Ntamu he listed interventions in the maritime sector with catalytic impact on Nigeria’s socio-economic recovery to include; the Badagry Port (16m)–Upcoming with renewed commitment from Lagos State Government; Olokola Port(17m)–some governance and implementation delays; Agaie Port(16m)–preparation phase; Lekki Port(16.5m)-Over 95% completion achieved. Ready for commercial take-off in 2023; Ibom Port(16.5m)–Financial close achieved. Pre-construction phase; Gelegele River Port–Edo State; and Burutu Port -Delta State.
On the aviation he noted that the Nigerian Air has massive opportunity for national economic transformation with significant expected development outcomes.
Speaking earlier in his opening remarks, the Chairman of ATACA Chris Agabi stated that the Seminar was part of the Association’s efforts to create an avenue for stakeholders to discuss strategies through which the transportation sectors would significantly impact and rescue the Nigerian economy.
He appreciated various stakeholders in the sector for their contribution to the growth of aviation and transport in Nigeria and called on them to so more as we are currently underperforming interns of contributing to the GDP via air, rail and Maritime.
Also speaking, the President of Riders and Owners of Motorcycle Association Of Nigeria (ROMAN), Alhaji Olusola Sotayo called on government to regulate rather than ban Okada riders as they contribute to economic growth and reduce the crime rate by providing gainful employment for youths.
In attendance were Former Minister of Transportation, Rt Hon Rotimi Amaechi represented by Engr Biokpo Awara as chairman of the event, the President of the Nigeria- Bangladesh Business and Technology Forum (NBBTF), Arch Bob Achanya and the GM ITV Abuja, Mr Abiodun Mudasiru. The Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) were also represented
