The Rector of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Dr. Ibraheem Abdul, says efficient transport systems and infrastructure development are the bedrock of any nation’s economic prosperity.
Abdul asserted the Third Dr. Abubakar Olaseni Annual Lecture Series held at YABATECH, according to a statement by a Deputy Registrar, Mr. Adekunle Adams, on Saturday in Lagos.
The lecture had the theme ‘Unlocking Nigeria’s Socio-economic Potential through Improved Transportation and Infrastructure Development’.
Abdul said that Nigeria’s transport sector faced challenges and required urgent and comprehensive reforms.
He gave the assurance that his administration would organize a series of lectures during which topical issues would be thoroughly discussed in the pursuit of excellence in all spheres of Nigeria’s endeavours.
In his remarks, Mr. Samuel Agbeluyi, the Chairman of the event and 16th President of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria, said that Nigeria lacked an adequate network of physical infrastructure.
“These include roads, railways, power facilities, and telecommunication systems.
“Education, water supply, and healthcare, which are essential for enhancing the overall welfare of the citizen, are also inadequate, while a sizeable number of the existing infrastructure is in a deteriorating state, requiring urgent repair, rehabilitation, or replacement.
“We must recognise the pivotal role that sustainable transportation and infrastructure development play in unlocking Nigeria’s vast socio-economic potential,” he added.
Bamidele Badejo, the guest lecturer and Professor of Geography and Regional Planning at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun, called for professionalism in handling Nigeria’s transport system to enable the unlocking of the country’s socio-economic potential.
Badejo, a former Commissioner for Transportation in Lagos State, said that there was a need to urgently improve the current transport modes in Nigeria.
He added that efforts should be made to develop a strategic framework that would coordinate and integrate all the transport modes and their policies.
“Since transport is regarded as the engine of growth and development, it is desirable to have a transport policy in place.
“As we navigate the future, both the federal and state governments should generate transport policies for use.
“The Federal Government’s draft policy of 2010 and the Lagos State Government’s draft transport policy of 2018 should, as a matter of priority, be concluded and published.
“This is to develop an adequate, safe, environmentally sound, and efficient transport system in the context of a progressive and competitive economy.
“In addition, the new paradigm being introduced by artificial intelligence (AI) should catch our attention in unlocking Nigeria’s socio-economic potential,” Badejo said. (NAN)
