Transportation sector can enhance Nigeria’s economy, says Obayendo

The Group Managing Director of Temple Group Limited, Segun Obayendo, has urged the government and private sector to continue in their support to the transportation sector, being a major economic driver in the country.

Obayendo gave the charge during his goodwill message at the Chartered Institute of Transport Administration (CIoTA) 2022 Mid-Year Induction Ceremony held in Lagos on Wednesday, with the theme, “Building Professional Career in the Transport Industry.”

He said: “The Nigeria transportation sector, when professionally managed, is a vast sector for revenue generation. I always believe that a vibrant and efficient transport system will enhance Nigeria’s economic, developmental and strategic roles in the global system/economy. As we all know, there is a direct correlation existing between transport and economic wealth and CIoTA has a major role to play in harnessing this wealth. As CIoTANS, we must work within our environment and help the government to achieve and sustain an efficient transport system that allows easier movement of people and goods from households to their destinations.”

Similarly, the Commissioner for Transportation in Lagos State, Dr. Frederic Oladeinde, said the state was committed to meeting the transport needs of Lagos teeming population through the introduction of Lagos Bus Services Limited, among others.

He said there were ongoing projects in a bid to continue providing a well-structured transport system that would address traffic gridlocks across the metropolis.

CioTA’s President, Dr. Bashir Jamoh, stressed the need for professionalism for improved productivity, saying: “I urge CIoTA leadership and all members of the institute to increase the sensitisation and awareness because it appears that Nigerians are yet to become abreast of the realities on the issue of professionalism in transportation.”

Jamoh, who is also the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), added: “There is a huge need for CIOTA to do more training and retraining of those involved in transport business in Nigeria. Therefore, the membership of the institute should be open to both public organisations and private operators because there is a lot to gain.”

The induction ceremony, which was chaired by Oba Rafiu Ishola Balogun, the Elejinrin of Ejinrin, inducted 151 members into its fold, 58 members and 93 associate members.