15 May 2013, Lagos – The Nigerian Minister of Transport, Senator Idris A. Umar has wooed both local and foreign investors to take advantage of the friendly investment policies and structures by investing in the transport sector of the economy.
Speaking to participants of the course 35 at the International Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, NIPSS, Kuru, near Jos, Umar stated that transport policies, programmes and projects are substantially anchored on the principle of Public Private Partnership, PPP, with a view to attarcting investor and as a framework for economic development.
Umar further stated that the window of opportunity which the new policy direction of Public Private Partnership provides in the transport sector has necessitated government’s invitation of both local and foreign investors to invest in the sector
He explained that some of the current and on-going projects in the transport sector, some of which includes development of Badagry and Ibaka deep sea ports; development of six in land container depots and management of in-land river ports; ship repairs requires private sector participation and investment.
The minister added that Mr. President’s Transformation Agenda is the major anchor of the projects in the transport sector which emphasizes the rehabilitation and modernization of railway transportation and the rapid upgrading and expansion of the maritime sector.
*Godwin Oritse, Vanguard
