By Demilade Adeniyi
The Vice President of Nigeria, His Excellency Kashim Shettima, will lead other eminent Nigerians among them the Minister of Transportaion Senator Said Ahmad Alkali and his Federal Capital Territory counterpart Mr. Nyesome Wike to grace the fifth three-day summit organised by the Chartered Institute of Transport Administration of Nigeria (CIOTA) at the FCT, Abuja beginning from Tuesday.
Disclosing this in a statement issued yesterday, CIOTA’s President and Chairman of Council Prince Olusegun Ochuko Obayendo said the three-day summit with the theme Emerging National Challenges And Prospects In Transportation Modes, which will be held at the NICON Luxury Hotel, Abuja, will afford eminent scholars and experts from across the transportation industry to set the tone for the critical sector.
He said the summit will attract no fewer than 500 eminent participants.
“As we confront emerging national challenges, we recognise the critical role that transportation plays in shaping the destiny of our great nation.
“In reflecting on the past, we acknowledge the hurdles we’ve overcome – inadequate infrastructure, logistical bottlenecks, and policy regulatory complexities. Yet, these challenges have made the transport sector more resilient and innovative.
“The emergence of new technologies, the possibilities of sustainable transportation, and the potential for increased connectivity hold promise of a brighter tomorrow.”, Obayendo stated.
CIOTA said the summit will be a melting pot where industry experts, policymakers, and leaders of thought will converge to chart a course for the future.
Obayendo said the Director-General of National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPS) Prof Ayo Omotayo, will deliver the keynote address, while a number of resource persons have been carefully selected from the best of all modes to provide forward-looking dialogue toward navigating the industry by providing innovative solutions.
“I urge all participants to get prepared to be enlightened at the summit on the challenges of congested highways and insufficient road infrastructure, but be assured by the prospect that lies in our pursuit of smart and sustainable road networks, utilising technology to ease congestion, enhance safety and ensuring that our roads become not just conduits of travel but corridors of efficiency and safety.
“In a similar vein, at the summit, we will x-ray the challenge of connecting cities and regions to accommodate the growing demands of our populace by rail. We would explore the prospect that emerges in the development of high-speed rail and the integration of cutting-edge technology for enhanced connectivity and reliability.
“We are not unmindful of the environmental concerns that persist in the aviation industry. However, at the summit, we will discuss sustainable technologies and practices that ensure that the skies remain open and blue for generations to come.
“We do not forget our waterways, vital arteries of trade, and commerce. The challenge lies in navigating regulatory complexities and ensuring the safety of maritime transport. At the summit, we will discuss the development of a robust maritime infrastructure and fostering international collaborations,” Obayendo stated.