From Idu Jude, Abuja
Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Minister of Transportation, Sa’idu Alikali and his FCT counterpart, Nyesom Wike among other major stakeholders in the Transportation sector, are slated to attend the 5th edition of CIOTA annual summit, to chart a new course for National Transportation Bill, expected to play a pivotal role in strengthening Nigerian economy.
President of the Chartered Institute of Transportation (CIOTA) Prince Segun Obayendo, made this known during a press conference to usher in 5th annual National CIOTA Summit coming up soon in the Federal Capital Territory. The National Transportation Bill was denied Presidential assent during the administration of President Mohammadu Buhari due to alleged unratified grey areas contained in the bill.
Prince Obayendo, while speaking of the event, noted that part of the core discourse for the forthcoming summit, was to chart the possible means of ensuring that transportation sector has a legal framework in Nigeria and to enshrine a standard practice that will not make it an all comers affair anymore.
He said, “it is part of our reasons in trying to bring all in government to this summit, and stakeholders both local and International to come and add value to the only sector that revolves the economy of any nation. Our country Nigeria, has witnessed dynamic evolution in it’s transportation landscape over the years. From historical challenges to present -day complexities. Our journey has been both challenging and transformative. As we confront emerging national challenges, we recorgnised the critical role that transportation plays in shaping the destiny of our great nation.”
He said, in reflection of the past, “we in CIOTA, leadership acknowledge the huddles such as inadequate infrastructure, logistical bottle necks and policy regulatory complexities. He stressed that these served as catalysts for innovation and resilience with the transportation, adding that “CIOTA, remains steadfast in it’s commitment to excellence, playing pivotal roles in navigating these challenges by advocating for policy reforms and fostering a community of professionals dedicated to advancing nation’s transport capabilities”.
Further speaking, he said that the summit would feature the quest to professionalize the sector with the need for membership drive which is also a priority to CIOTA leadership. This is with pressing demand for all public and private sector appointees for the position of commissioners of transportation and Ministers of transportation to be members of the institute. This he said, would go inline with other professions, such as the (NBA) in the legal profession which provides Minister of Justice or Attorney general of the Federation or the Chief Justice, the professional platform. The NMA, for the medical profession which provides Minister of Health. The NUJ “ in order to to achieve this, we have met with several state Governors and state commissioners of transportation who are neither members of the CIOTA and we are going ahead with advocacy and to press it down the throath of the State Governors and to the level of Federal Government that any one who fail to be a member of the CIOTA should not be appointmented to head transportation industry in the state or at the level companies”.
The forthcoming Abuja summit according to him aims to be a crucible of ideas , a melting pot where industry experts, policy makers, and thought leaders converge to chart a course for the future. He also stated that it is therefore an opportunity to explore innovative solutions, address current issues and lay the groundwork for a transportation ecosystem that is not only efficient but sustainable and inclusive. “I convey my enthusiasm for all participants to get prepared to be enlightened at the summit on the challenges of congested highways and insufficient road infrastructure but be assured by the prospect that lies in our pursuit of smart and sustainable road networks, utilizing technology to ease congestion, enhance safety and ensuring that our roads become not just conduit of travel but corridors of efficiency and safety” he said.
While adding voice on the preparedness of CIOTA in hosting foreign and local participants, the Deputy President of the body, Hon. Umar Iliya, who doubles as the Chairman main organizing committee of the 5th edition of the Summit, said that the committee has worked extensively to welcome the Presidency, members of 10th Assembly as well as captains of industry.
He was of the belief that effort being put by CIOTA would attract maximum cooperations from all stakeholders and to revamping the economy in general.