The Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, has said the integrated transport system is a means of economic investment through the provision of jobs and career opportunities for citizens.
Fashola, who was represented by his media aide, Mr. Hakeem Bello, disclosed this on Thursday, during a colloquium to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Lagos Traffic Radio 96.1 FM, in Lagos.
He said, “Integrated or intermodal transport system is the connection of different forms of transportation – land, rail and water to offer choice and provide convenience to commuters.
“In terms of economic growth, this type of transportation has proved to be a source of opportunities to improved investments, employment, businesses and the value chain in the transport network.
“It is no gainsaying that within these forms of transportation in a city-state like Lagos, there are thousands of opportunities. In road transport alone, there are opportunities for employment, lane marking, vehicle supply, licensing, inspection and repairs, traffic signage and parking facilities. Water transport can also provide employment for boat makers, operators, safety equipment, in dredging companies and communication.”
The Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was represented at the event by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Gbenga Omotoso, stated that, “The theme of this colloquium, ‘Integrated transport system as a lifeline for economic growth,’ speaks directly to the goal we have been working hard to achieve under the transport management pillar of our THEMES agenda, and our plan is to transform the transportation sector into an intermodal system that is safe and efficient.”
The Commissioner for Transportation, Dr Frederic Oladeinde, noted that the state records an average of two million cars a day and it was important to shift to alternative means of transportation.
