ONDO GOVERNOR'S AIDE, AKOGUN OMOLE EXPRESSES HOPE OF BUOYANT MASS TRANSIT SYSTEM IN NIGERIA

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ONDO GOVERNOR’S AIDE, AKOGUN OMOLE EXPRESSES HOPE OF BUOYANT MASS TRANSIT SYSTEM IN NIGERIA

…As Aiyedatiwa set to be honoured by Portuguese University

The Special Adviser to the Ondo State Governor On Transportion, Akogun Olugbenga Omole has justified the need for government to boost transportation system through effective, rapid, integrated and financially buoyant Mass Transit System amidst high cost transportation caused by fuel subsidy removal.

According to the Special Adviser, the masses should not be at mercy of private transporters, hence the call on government at all levels and Nigerians in diaspora to invest in the sector.

Hon. Omole who is a former State lawmaker, stated this On Wednesday 8th January, 2025 At The Centre For African Studies, University of Porto in Portugal.

Similarly, there are ongoing plans in Portugal to honour Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa with Global Diaspora Champion Award in May 2025.

Akogun Omole hailed the efforts of President Bola Ahned Tinubu at bringing on board the Presidential initiative on CNG Buses which he termed a revolution in the Transportation System in Nigeria.

“This will significantly reduce the cost of Transportation when it finally spreads to all the 36States in Nigeria. The CNG initiative is cheaper and environmental friendly.”

Delivering the lecture, the Special Adviser who is also the Akogun of Oka-Akoko, pointed out that

“the need for an effective, rapid, integrated and financially buoyant Mass Transit System has become amplified by the steep increases in petrol prices consequent upon the removal of petroleum subsidies by the Federal Government.

“It has therefore become imperative to initiate the establishment of a profitable transportation system with the following objectives: Provision of safe, efficient, and affordable transportation services to commuters nationwide.

“Generation of employment opportunities for Nigerians such as engineers, drivers, mechanics, and administrative staff; Stimulation of economic growth by facilitating the movement of goods and people; Enhancement of the overall transportation infrastructure of the nation.

He said the lecture themed “MULTI -FACET OPPORTUNITIES IN THE TRANSPORTATION SECTOR FOR DIASPORA INVESTMENT, NIGERIA AS A CASE STUDY”, was to outline the establishment of a diaspora-funded transportation system, in collaboration with private sector investors, local transport unions and Governments at various levels as minority shareholders.

“The proposed system aims to provide safe, efficient, and affordable transportation services to commuters, while also generating employment opportunities and stimulating economic growth.

“Nigeria is a significant economic hub with global relevance, with a growing population which is expected to be the third largest in the world by 2050. There are already serious deficits but the larger implication for the future is that there will be increasing demand for transportation services.

“The current transportation system however is inadequate, with limited options for intercity and interstate travel and the movement of goods nationwide.

“There are commendable governmental efforts at providing the infrastructural base for effective operations, but government alone cannot shoulder all the problems hence there is need to develop a handshake with interested stakeholders.

“The road and railway sectors have not lived up to expectation while the vagaries of air transportation have constrained investment in the airline sector. The problem is therefore compounded by the astronomic fares charged by the airline industry on account of limited competition for safe, effective, convenient and reliable transportation services.”

Omole who identified some factors that affected government’s investment in the road sector of the transportation to include; Poor management, Financial difficulties, Competition from private operators, Aging fleet, Dearth of Railway services and Lack of investment in rail infrastructure.

“The once buoyant Nigerian Railway Corporation also faced the same fate leading to its comatose state. There is a current attempt to revamp the railway sector, but the resources needed are huge and cannot therefore be left for government alone.”

Akogun Omole hailed the efforts of President Bola Ahned Tinubu at bringing on board the Presidential initiative on CNG Buses which he termed a revolution in the Transportation System in Nigeria.

“This will significantly reduce the cost of Transportation when it finally spreads to all the 36States in Nigeria. The CNG initiative is cheaper and environmental friendly.”

Omole also made some recommendations on how to enhance the transportation thus; “Nigeria presents numerous multi-faceted opportunities for diaspora investment in the transportation sector. Here are some potential areas for investment.

“Construction and Maintenance of Roads: Invest in the construction and maintenance of roads, highways, and bridges to improve connectivity and facilitate the movement of goods and people.

“Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Systems: Develop BRT systems to provide efficient and affordable public transportation, reducing congestion and pollution.

“Truck Parks and Logistics Hubs: Establish truck parks and logistics hubs to support the transportation of goods and provide services such as fuelling, maintenance, and warehousing.

“Maritime Transportation, Port Development: Invest in the development of ports, including the construction of new terminals, expansion of existing facilities, and improvement of navigation channels.

“Shipbuilding and Repair: Establish shipbuilding and repair facilities to support the growth of maritime trade and provide employment opportunities.

“Maritime Security: Provide maritime security services, including patrol boats, surveillance systems, and training for security personnel.

“Inland waterways: Use of small boats fitted with outboard engines as a means of mass movement of people.

“Aviation; Airport Development: Invest in the development of airports, including the construction of new terminals, expansion of existing facilities, and improvement of air traffic control systems.

“Aircraft Maintenance and Repair: Establish aircraft maintenance and repair facilities to support the growth of air transportation and provide employment opportunities.

“Aviation Training: Provide aviation training services, including pilot training, aircraft maintenance training, and air traffic control training.

“Railway Construction: Invest in the construction of new railway lines, including standard gauge and narrow-gauge lines, to improve connectivity and facilitate the movement of goods and people.

“Railway Modernization: Modernize existing railway infrastructure, including the upgrade of signals, tracks, and rolling stock. Railway Operations: Provide railway operations services, including passenger and freight transportation, to support the growth of rail transportation.

“Diaspora Investment Opportunities; Joint Ventures: Partner with local companies or government agencies to develop transportation projects, sharing risks and rewards.

“Private Sector Participation: Invest in private sector-led transportation projects, such as toll roads, airports, or seaports.

“Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborate with government agencies to develop transportation projects, sharing costs and responsibilities.

“To attract interest, a number of initiatives need to be emplaced: Tax Incentives: Offer tax incentives, such as tax holidays, reduced tax rates, or tax credits, to encourage investment in the transportation sector.

“Infrastructure Support: Provide infrastructure support, such as land, utilities, and access roads, to facilitate the development of transportation projects.

“Streamlined Regulatory Processes: Streamline regulatory processes to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and encourage investment in the transportation sector.

“The proposed diaspora-funded transportation system offers a unique opportunity for diaspora investors to contribute to the economic development of the nation, while also generating returns on their investment.

“By collaborating with local transport unions and Governments at all levels, the proposed system will provide employment opportunities, stimulate economic growth, and enhance the overall transportation infrastructure,” Omole said.

The Director of Centre for African Studies University of Porto Portugal Prof. Maciel Santos described Akogun Omole as young man with a lot of creative ideas and highly knowledgeable.

Prince Wale Ojomo,visiting researcher center for African Studies University of Porto Portugal expressed delight that Akogun Omole as an asset to any organization or Team he belongs to as he has a lot to offer.