FCT, 36 States’ Transport Commissioners To Attend CIoTA National Conference

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  Transport veterans to explore solutions to Apapa traffic chaos

By Kenneth Jukpor

 

As part of efforts to curb the incessant fracas between the federal government and several state governments on transport infrastructure and policy issues, the Chartered Institute of Transport Administration (CIoTA) Nigeria, has invited all state commissioners of transportation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Commissioner to its maiden national transportation summit.

 

The President of CIoTA, Dr. Bashir Jamoh revealed this during a press conference yesterday where he spoke extensively on the objectives of the upcoming summit themed, “Unlocking the Potentials of Transportation for Sustainable Development”.

 

Jamoh expressed optimism that the participation of all transport commissioners would better position them to aptly advise their governors and limit the conflict between state governments and federal government which had robbed the nation of some transport gains.

 

Recall that the Lagos State government has disputes with the federal government over the management of inland waterways and wharf landing fees. The national conference would have both parties available to better understand the issues in the nation’s transport sector.

 

However, Jamoh stated that the conference which takes place from December 3rd to December 5th, 2019, would see industry veterans develop short, medium and long term solutions to the menace of traffic gridlock at Lagos ports.

 

While reiterating that the CIoTA Act has given the Institute the authority to regulate the transport sector, he assured President Mohammadu Buhari and Nigerians of optimum perfomance in addressing the nation’s transport woes.

 

Speaking at the press conference, Jamoh said, “Recall that during my investiture as President of CIoTA in February this year, I noted that the creation of the Institute will further help proffer solutions to the challenges facing the transportation sector in Nigeria, and also augment Government’s efforts in that direction. We promised that we will work with relevant bodies and associations to ensure the realisation of an efficient transport sector. We also stated then that the institute will come up with programmes and create a platform where all transport-related bodies would come together to brainstorm and share ideas with the relevant authorities for the development of the sector”

 

“It is in fulfilment of this promise that CIoTA Nigeria is organising the 2019 National Transport Summit/Annual General Meeting at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja, from December 3rd – 5th, 2019” he said.

 

He stressed that the aim of the summit is to push for policies that will enable seamless integration of the different modes of transportation in the country.

 

While President Buhari would be the Special Guest of Honour, the Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi, Minister of Aviation, Mr. Hadi Sirika, Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, and Minister of State for Transportation, Senator Gbemi Saraki, will be Guests of Honour at event.

 

The Chairman, Presidential Economic Council, Dr. Doyin Salami would lead a rich delegation of speakers at the event, ranging from transport operators, regulators and other stakeholders.

 

The summit would also feature technical sessions, and panel discussions to cover a wide range of topics on the nation’s transport challenges and possible solutions.

 

Other speakers expected at the summit include; the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dakuku Peterside; Founder, Centre for Value in Leadership, Professor Pat Utomi; Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Hadiza Bala-Usman; as well as retired Merchant Navy Captain, Emmanuel Iheanacho, the Managing Director, Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) Engr. Fidet Okhiria, Prof. Innocent Ogwude and Chris Asoluka, Chairman Onne Oil and Gas Free Zone.