Transport is lifeblood of economies, says GTP Chairman, Musa
The Chief of Naval Staff, Nigerian Navy, Emmanuel Ogalla, says the Nigerian Navy is fully aware of the economic benefits of the Deep Blue Sea Economy and will do everything to provide the needed enabling environment for the proper utilisation of the resources in the nation’s seas.
The Naval boss, Emmanuel Ogalla, gave the assurance in a remarks at the Global Transport Policy (GTP) Annual Roundtable/Bilingual Magazine launch at Marriott Hotel Ikeja on Wednesday, April 24, 2024.
Ogalla, who commended Dr. Oluwasegun Musa, Chairman/Chief Consultant of Global Transport Policy (GTP) for putting up this roundtable, was represented by a senior Naval officer at the event themed Transport Infrastructure and Strategic Policy Intervention: Building Blocks for Economic Growth.
He maintained the roundtable was apt and however gave assurance that the Nigerian Navy would at all times support the GTP and the nation’s transport industry.
While speaking, the Inspector General of Police, Nigeria Police, Kayode Egbetokun, noted that transportation is essential to our existence as there is no state that could survive on its own without relying on other states for goods, services and even human and resources.
Egbetokun, who was represented by the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, Adegoke Fayode, said the Police is very essential to transport taking into a view dangers that associated with transportation of goods and services.
“Transportation is essential to our existence in the sense that no State can survive on its own without relying on other States for goods, services and even human ,resources. In the course of these movements of Human and non-human resources, Economic, Social, Political and Cultural exchanges occur. This makes it important to have a measure of control, checks and monitoring to minimize the negatives in cross border movements. Where there are laws and policies, the Law enforcement agencies naturally take up enforcement. That is why the Police are essential to this engagement,” said Egbetokun.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists, Lagos State Council, Mr. Adeleye Ajayi commended the organisers of the roundtable and noted that the federal and state governments must invest more infrastructure in transportation to earn huge revenue.
Adeleye Ajayi gave assurance that the Union would give support to the GTP bilingual magazine.
Earlier in his welcome address, Chairman/Chief Consultant of GTP Annual Roundtable, Dr. Oluwasegun Musa, averred that the role of connectivity is very crucial in dissecting the building of blocks for economic growth through transport infrastructure, urging Nigeria to invest in last-mile connectivity for her various transport and other economic segments could share the benefits of connectivity.
Dr. Oluwasegun Musa who was elated by the large turnout of participants stressed that beyond mere technological advancements, it is the development of policies that truly reinforce the success of intermodal transport in developed nations.
He added that transport infrastructure serves as the lifeblood of economies, facilitating the movement of goods, people and ideas and backbone upon which industries strive, businesses expand, and innovation flourishes.
He noted that the first building block for Nigeria is the establishment of comprehensive multimodal transportation system that enhances connectivity within and beyond our borders, stretching to neighboring countries to further amplify the benefits of Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).
According to him, “connectivity goes beyond geographical boundaries, integrating different regions into cohesive economic units. Whether it be roads, pipelines, railways, or maritime routes, the seamless interconnectivity of transport network fosters trade, spurs investment, and promotes the exchange of knowledge and expertise. By investing in last-mile connectivity, we can ensure that the benefits of economic growth are shared by all segments of society. Therefore, our first building block is the establishment of comprehensive multimodal transportation system that enhances connectivity within and beyond our borders, stretching to neighboring countries to further amplify the benefits of Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).
“It is evident that the Nigerian government’s commitment to infrastructure development is clearly outlined in the National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan (NIIMP), presenting opportunities for public-private partnerships and foreign investments. We are also aware of initiatives such as the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund (PIDF) aimed at accelerating the execution of critical infrastructure projects including the transport industry. With various states joining the fray, it is obvious that it is no longer business as usual.
“Global Transport Policy is committee to best-in-class transformation of the Nigerian transport industry. It is assemblage of committed transport crusaders with robust global and local insight ensures a holistic approach to execution , this is to enable global competitiveness.
“In conclusion, the revitalisation of Nigeria’s transport infrastructure requires bold vision, decisive action, and unwavering commitment. By prioritising strategic policy intervention, we can lay the foundation for sustainable economic growth, job creation, and improved quality of life for all Nigerians. Together, we can unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s economy and propel our nation towards a brighter future.”
Leave a Reply