Kunle Kalejaye
08 June 2016, Sweetcrude, Lagos — The Ministry of Transportation has expressed readiness to partner with Lagos State government on effective ways to utilise the inland waterways to improve the transportation system in the state.
The Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi stated this at the first Lagos Traffic Radio Lecture Series with the theme “Migrating Workforce: The Challenges of Mass Transportation”
He observed that it has become necessary for Lagos State to utilise other modes for mass transportation as the roads alone cannot cope with the level of migration into the city.
The Transport Minister said that the ministry has forwarded the National Transport Commission and the Nigerian Railway Corporation bills to the National Assembly for consideration with the aim of enhancing regulation and further opening opportunities for private sector investment into critical transport infrastructure.
He highlighted some of the strategic interventions the ministry has embarked upon to improve transportation system in the country to include the auditing of the maritime sector, the re-establishment of a new national shipping line through a Public Private Partnership, PPP arrangement, building modern rail infrastructure to link most of the country and the establishment of inland ports among others.
While commending the Government of Lagos State for its strategic focus in transportation development, Amaechi urged the Lagos State Government to remain committed to its transport master plan.
The Minister assured stakeholders that the present administration led by President Muhammadu Buhari has the capacity and political will to deliver on its promises because of its zero tolerance for corruption and commitment to due diligence.
