The Federal Government has been urged to invest in massive infrastructure development not only on roads but rail lines and waterways to ensure seamless connection of all transport modes and multimodal transportation in the country.
Prof. Iyiola Oni of the Department of Geography, University of Lagos made the call last weekend while delivering a paper titled: Arbitrary Change of Government Economic Policy- the effects on transport sector’s development at the 7th Transquest Annual Anniversary and lecture held at Ikeja Airport Hotel, Lagos.
Prof.Oni said over the years, roads have been the only reliable mode of transportation for cargoes leaving the port, yet it is the list regulated sub sector in the transport sector.
This according to him is as a result of unstable and inconsistent government policies, absence of proper regulation and lack of professionalism.
He said there is an urgent need to review the current Nigerian Railway Corporation enabling law to allow for effective private participation thereby reducing road traffic congestion problem and enhancing speedy movement of cargo from the ports.
He said “Development cannot thrive with the use of tankers on the roads and without effective rail system we cannot talk about intermodal rail system”.
Oni also recommends the urgent review of the some government existing policies on cargo importation and clearance issues.
Highlight of the Transquest Annual anniversary was the presentation of awards to individuals who have contributed to the development of the transport sector of the nation’s economy including the Customs Area Controller of Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Comptroller Charles Edike, who bagged award as the most innovative Customs controller.
Copyright Ships & Ports Ltd. Permission to use quotations from this article is granted subject to appropriate credit given to www.shipsandports.com.ng as the source.