The Bill seeking the establishment of Charted Logistics and Transport Department is ready for presidential accent, Senator Gbenga Ashafa has stated.
Making the revelation at the 2018 Charted Logistics and Transport, Africa Forum in Abuja, the senator, who is the chairman, Senate Committee on Land Transport, said “It goes without saying that Transportation is an integral and inseparable part of every society. By its very nature, Transportation sits at the heart of human interrelationship, mobility, connection and the economy. lt forms the bedrock of socio-economic engagement.
“Considering its level of importance, every forward thinking economy, would prioritize the evolution of the transport sector towards maximising the potentials embedded therein. One of the ways through which we can maximise the potentials of our tansport sector is therefore by interrogating the theme of this event: “Building Capacity for Efficient Logistics and Transport Services in Africa”.
“We must as a matter of urgency demand and put in place the institutional frameworks that would entrench professionalism in the transportation sector. This can be achieved largely by training and training both the operators and the regulators of the sector.
“While the National Assembly has now done its part in providing a regulatory framework for your institute, which is largely focused on building the industry, we look forward to the assent of the bill by our transport sector friendly President, President Mohammadu Buhari in the coming days.”
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Also speaking, the minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi commended the institute for its handwork in ensuring the passage of the bill.
According to him, “The role of logistics, transport and supply chain cannot be overemphasized at a time when government is seeking to improve the quality of life of its citizens through infrastructural development.
“You may recall that President Muhammadu Buhari launched a four-year Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) spanning through the years 2017-2020, declaring that his administration would henceforth drive aggressive economic growth with the same zeal and vigour it has deployed to fight corruption and insecurity. In this regard, this administration places a high premium on the revival of the transport sector in its entirety by the rehabilitation of existing transport infrastructure, provision of new ones as well as ensuring capacity building, while finding ways to improve financial capabilities.
He further noted that “Logistics Performance Index (LPI) has become a new paradigm for measuring national competitiveness. Indeed, logistics and transport are central to achieving economic growth as it plays an indispensable role in the socio-political and economic development of all nations across the globe.
“Distinguished professionals, this administration will continue to put in place friendly policies and regulatory framework to protect investments in the Rail, Road, Marine and Air transport sectors of the economy.
“As your Patron, I am aware of the laudable effort you are making to ensure the Institute is recognized by law in Nigeria. I believe it is the right way to go and the ministry will spare no effort towards supporting your initiative. This is the therefore the right time to work more closely with the Institute to define a sustainable future for the logistics and transport industry. “
