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From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
The member of the House of Representatives, representing Ideato Federal Constituency, of Imo State, Ikenga Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere has lauded the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, over the push for a better transportation system that will aid the integration of African countries.
Ugochinyere, in a statement, on Thursday, said better transport connectivity can foster better integration and social cooperation in Africa. He noted that transport connectivity will boost trade in the continent.
Abbas at the 18th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC), Africa Region, in Yaoundé, Cameroon, on Wednesday, called for a better transportation system that connects African countries for better integration and cooperation.
The speaker noted that “under normal circumstances, it does not take 15 to 20 minutes to drive from one part of Nigeria to Cameroon. But because of the issues of logistics that we are facing on air transportation and land as well, you will find out that the majority of Cameroon doesn’t know what is happening in their neighbouring countries and vice versa.
“How can you foster economic and social cooperation when people – neighbours – don’t even know anything about each other? So, we need to really work not only on air; we need to try ways of improving our land transportation like railway connectivity. Take an example when you for to Europe – the Schengen areas, it takes you less than one hour from one country to another. And you will do it so seamlessly without knowing that you have passed a country and you are in the next country.”
Ugochinyere, who is also the deputy chairman of the House Ad-hoc Committee on Media and Public Affairs, described Abbas as a visionary leader committed to regional integration.
According to him, the speaker has shown that he is focused on working with his counterparts in other African parliaments, political and other stakeholders towards fostering economic growth, innovation, and prosperity and cooperation within the African continent.
