Mr Rotimi Amaechi, Nigeria’s Minister of Transportation, says that investing in transportation infrastructure is critical to achieving the African Continental Free Trade Area’s major goals (AfCFTA).
Mr Amaechi made the remarks at the National Institute of Transport Technology’s (NITT) International Conference on the Role of Transportation in the Implementation of the AfCFTA in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
According to him, transportation is critical for economic and social development because it connects production centers and markets.
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“Transport facilitates the flow of goods and people along corridors, connecting different points of activity and promoting regional and national integration and development,” says the report.
The sector, according to the Minister, is critical in implementing trade facilitation, enhancing regional integration, and supporting every other AfCFTA Protocol.
Mr Amaechi said the government was investing heavily in transportation infrastructure across the country, reiterating President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration’s commitment to providing an efficient transportation system in the country.
He did say, however, that the most difficult aspect of African infrastructure development was maintaining infrastructure for long-term service delivery.
“The transportation sector is endowed with a plethora of potentials and development opportunities.
“In its efforts to transform the sector for the benefit of Nigerian citizens, the current administration will not leave any stone unturned.”
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“I am optimistic that my sister, Distinguished Sen. Gbemisola Saraki, champion of the AfCFTA Transportation Infrastructure and Services Readiness Workstream, will mobilize all the human and material resources required to implement all the identified initiatives/action steps to ensure Nigeria taps into the AfCFTA opportunities,” Amaechi added.
Gbemisola Saraki, Minister of State for Transportation, reaffirmed the government’s efforts to ensure efficient transportation while speaking on the Readiness of Nigeria’s Transport and Logistics Sector for the Implementation of the AfCFTA.
Saraki stated that there was still much work to be done in the sector and expressed hope that the discussions at the conference would help to chart workable strategies for the AfCFTA.
“We hope that the outcome of this Conference will provide a better perspective on what more we can do as a sector to tap into the potentials of AfCFTA implementation.”
“I applaud NITT’s leadership for launching programs with themes that are relevant and needed in these times,” she said.
Olorogun John, the NITT Council Chairperman, also emphasized the importance of trade and transportation connectivity.
Transportation, according to NITT Director-General Dr Bayero Salih-Farah, is the gateway to economic growth and prosperity, and every other sector relies on it for growth and progress.
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“As a result, it is heartening that the current administration, led by President Muhammadu Buhari, recognizes the critical role of transportation and is working tirelessly to make Nigeria’s transportation system one of the best in Africa.”
“Traffic infrastructure is widely regarded as a key enabler of national, regional, and international integration and trade.
“Competitiveness, market access, and economic growth are all aided by a well-functioning transportation system.” It’s past time for Nigeria to start reaping the benefits of being Africa’s largest economy.
“It is claimed that intra-African trade is around 15%, a dismal figure attributed to unnecessary bottlenecks and a lack of infrastructure.
“As a result, massive investments in connectivity and transportation infrastructure are urgently needed, as transportation is the link between all the factors of production.”
“I assure you that the Institute is always ready to carry out its mandate as the industry’s think tank by proposing issues that will address the industry’s problems.”
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“Finally, I’d like to encourage every participant to feel free to contribute meaningfully to discussions about the conference theme, with the goal of improving recommendations and resolutions,” Salih-Farah said.
Mr Francis Anatogu, National Action Committee Secretary, AfCFTA, who was represented by Mrs Benita Gyang, also stated that efficient transportation and logistics were critical to the implementation of AfCFTA.
“Without transportation, the AfCFTA’s goals of creating a single market for goods and services will not be realized. Transportation is a facilitator. It is critical to the implementation of the AfCFTA.”
