Abuja – The Minister of Aviation, Mr Osita Chidoka, has urged the incoming government to develop a safe and sustainable transport system in the country.
Chidoka made the call while addressing newsmen when he rode on bicycle from the Federal Secretariat to the Villa, to attend the last Federal Executive Council meeting on Wednesday in Abuja.
He said that the need to promote safety of all modes of transportation became necessary to ensure sustainable environment in the transport sector.
[pro_ad_display_adzone id=”70560″]
6/
The minister said that the country needed to build infrastructure for those who would want to use cycling as mobility option to bring about easy movement.
According to him, the essence of transport is to move people from one place to the other, be it air, sea and road.
Chidoka said he had left a legacy of safe and sustainable transport, by promoting safety in the nation’s airports.
He added that “on my departure, I have to take two important decisions to downgrade Asaba Airport and close down Benin Airport because of safety issues.
“Hence, the need on my last day in cabinet, I want to approach the cabinet on my bicycle like I did when I went to the senate for clearance.
“I rode a bicycle to the senate to keep making a case that Nigeria needs to build infrastructure for those who want to use cycling as mobility option.’’
He urged other agencies involved in transportation of any form to continue to ensure safe and sustainable transport in the country.
The transport minister advised his successor to study the various reports presented for the overhauling of the aviation sector before taking decisions to reposition the transport sector.
He said the Paul Dike Report, which covered all air accidents that happened in the country, had some recommendations yet to be implemented.
According to him, the report looks at the nation’s airports holistically and suggested measures to improve the safety and security of the airports.
“I have done a presentation to stakeholders and I am leaving it on my table, I am also leaving the Paul Dike Report on my table for my successor.
“My advice for my successor is that he or she should read the report before taking any decisions on how to go about it.’’
Chidoka also assured that both air and road transportations were safe for the guests that would attend the Presidential inauguration on Friday.
“As chairman of the Transport Sub-Committee, Presidential Inauguration Committee, I can assure you that both air and road transports are ready for our visitors for the May 29 inauguration.’’ (NAN)
you may also like:
Rise and pray on nation’s challenges, Kwara Governor’s wife urges women
