FG To Address Infrastructure Constraints, And Promote Transportation Through ICT

*As Lagos remains at the forefront of investment in technology

The Federal Government through the Ministry of Transportation has restated its determination to promote transportation through Information and Communication Technology (ICT), to address the infrastructure constraints, particularly the Road-Subsector, enforce regulations and monitor its compliance.

The Minister of State for Transportation, Senator Gbemisola Saraki, disclosed this while speaking at the National Transportation Technology Conference and Exhibition held at Eko Hotel, in Lagos on Tuesday.

The minister who was represented by the Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Transportation, Dr Magdalene Ajani noted that the Current Administration has invested heavily in the construction of Railways, Roads, Seaports, Inland containers Depots to facilitate the actualization of its Agenda in the Transportation Sector.

Saraki added that there is also a focus on linking the various modes of available transportation to strengthen the intermodal movement of freights and passengers, which would improve the safety, convenience, travel time and cost of transportation within Africa with a corresponding reduction in carbon emissions and reduction in loss of lives.

According to her, accessibility is a key driving factor for economic development, social welfare and resource management. It is worthy to note that the use of multimodal transport implies overall structural changes covering new trade and transport practices. However, various measures are needed to implement multimodal transport, from the streamlining of commercial regulations to the development of transport infrastructure such as; the provision of alternative Transport Corridors, availability of Trade Free Zone, construction of Inland Container Dry Ports, Provision of Industrial Parks, and National Carriers etc.

“The multimodal transport and transit systems can provide an array of options for passenger and freight transport and successfully connect citizens and countries while supporting economic growth, social development and global trade; however emphasis should be placed on low-carbon-based energy modes of transport and an increased reliance on public transport systems”, she said.

Earlier, while declaring the conference and exhibition open, the Governor of Lagos State, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who is also the chief host of the event said Lagos State is at the forefront of investment in technology, especially in the Transport Sector with the implementation of a huge investment in technology to address technical issues, especially in transportation.

The governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the Governor Mrs Folashade Jaji, noted that we plan to integrate road, rail and water modes of transportation to make the movement of people, goods and services across the state more effective and efficient.

Sanwo-Olu added that these modes of transportation, would be synchronized in a manner that would make movement fluid and also save time and money, we have remained resolute in our intention to complete existing projects such as the blue and red rail line systems, which are part of the inter-modal transportation system. We set out in the strategic transport master plan.

Mr Governor stated that In today’s world, technology is a significant factor that affects economic growth, hence every nation must set aside a part of its budget for the funding of technological inventions.

Speaking on the state’s achievement in the transportation system the Governor noted that in managing road transportation, Intelligent Traffic Signal Lights have brought solutions to traffic prone junctions, and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology deployed across the metropolis has improved the compliance rate of vehicle documentation.

Traffic Management Solution, (TMS) has reduced human interface on traffic law violations and accurate vehicle roadworthy exercises are now conducted within a few minutes through the use of Computerized Vehicle Inspection Centers.

Introduction of COWRY Card payment system for all modes of public transportation across the state. This allows commuters to travel to any destination within the state with any of the three modes of transportation and pay the fare with the same card.

As a government, our administration will continue to welcome ideas and collaboration that can help to achieve success in the ongoing reforms in the transport sector to make it more viable for the greater economic prosperity of our dear state with safety and security as our watchword.

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for transportation Dr Frederic Oladeinde stated that Lagos State Government is installing 6,000 kilometres of Fibre Metro Network connection across the state as part of the comprehensive Smart City Programme aimed at providing a 24-hour driven economy.

“The Implementation of the Smart City Project is to enable governance, connectivity, and environmental security, and the use of technology would make reporting of security, health incidents easy to reach, and promote access to major stakeholders in the government”, the Commissioner added.