The Rector, Yaba College of Technology, Dr. Engr Ibraheem Abdul has asserted that an efficient transportation system and infrastructural development in Nigeria are the bedrock of the nation’s economic prosperity.
He made the assertion at the third edition of TPL Dr. Abubakar Mobolaji Olaseni’s Annual Lecture Series, themed: “Unlocking Nigeria’s Socio-economic Potentials through Improved Sustainable Transportation and Infrastructure Development” held at the college Yusuf Grillo Auditorium.
The Rector emphasized the critical role of transportation and infrastructure in Nigeria’s economic prosperity as the significance of an efficient transportation system for economic growth.
He highlighted the prevalent challenges within Nigeria’s transportation sector and stressed the urgent need for comprehensive reforms; urging that the country should in earnest desire for Nigeria a more functional transportation system.
Dr. Abdul hinted that his administration would give birth to a series of lectures in which topical relevant issues will be thoroughly discussed in the pursuit of excellence in all spheres of Nigeria’s endeavours.
The Chairman of the Lecture, who is also the 16th President, Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria, Bar. Samuel Agbeluyi, in his opening remarks, acknowledged that Nigeria possesses an inadequate network of physical infrastructure, including roads, railways, power facilities, and telecommunication systems among others.
He said that social infrastructure such as education, water supply and healthcare are essential for enhancing the overall welfare of the citizens are inadequate while a sizable number of the existing infrastructures are deteriorating, requiring urgent repair, rehabilitation, or replacement.
According to him, “As we delve into discussions surrounding this pertinent topic, it is imperative that we recognize the pivotal role that sustainable transportation and infrastructural development play in unlocking Nigeria’s vast socio-economic potentials”.
The guest lecturer, Professor of Geography and Regional Planning, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State and a former Commissioner for Transport in Lagos State, Tpl. Prof. Bamidele Abiona Badejo advocated for professionalism in handling the Nigerian transportation system if Nigeria is to Unlock her Socioeconomic potential.
Prof. Badejo suggested that there is a need to urgently improve the current situation of the transport modes available in Nigeria, and public enlightenment, public engagement, public education and robust publicity and advocacy should be embarked upon without gatekeeping the experts.
potential. Everywhere you turn now, it is AI, AI, AI and the specific areas Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing in the field of urban transport among others are autonomous vehicles, real-time traffic management and ride-sharing platforms. Embracing these will assist in improving sustainable transportation and infrastructure development and hence unlock Nigeria’s socio-economic potential.
