The National Council on Transportation yesterday at The June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
A way out of the raging energy crisis in the country and consideration of available alternative energy sources, especially gas for the transport sector would be part of the central discussions of this year’s conference of the National Council On Transportation currently meeting in Abeokuta, capital of Ogun State.
Welcoming participants to The June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta, Ogun State, venue of the conference yesterday, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry Of Transportation, Marine And Blue Economy, Mr. Olufemi Michael Oloruntola noted that the theme “Enabling Innovations and Technologies for Sustainable Transportation: Tackling the Energy Challenges” was carefully chosen and it reflected the commitment to address critical issues.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry Of Transportation, Marine And Blue Economy, Mr. Olufemi Michael Oloruntola delivering his welcome address yesterday.
Oloruntola expatiated that the Technical Session Of The 18th National Council On Transportation in Ogun State would be held between Tuesday, 13th to Friday, 16th February, 2024 and would discuss issues confronting the transportation sector in the country and how to solve them through strategic actions, policies, and innovative initiatives
He recalled that the foresight of the 17th edition of the NCT, which advocated for innovation and alternative energy sources, particularly gas for vehicles, demonstrated the nation’s anticipation of the current energy challenges now facing it.
“In light of these challenges, it is incumbent on us to prioritize innovative technologies that enhance transportation systems’ affordability, accessibility, safety, security, and environmental sustainability”, he said.
Explaining further, he pointed out that: “This occasion serves as a call to action for us to devise policies and strategies that foster sustainable transport development, thereby enhancing the welfare of Nigerians, creating job opportunities, and stimulating economic growth.
“With the expertise of our distinguished resource persons, I am confident we can achieve these objectives.
“I commend the commitment of the States and Stakeholders from the Private Sector who advocate for the deployment of innovative technologies and alternative energy sources in the transportation sector. The groundwork has been laid for us to translate this vision into reality. As per tradition, various Stakeholders have submitted memoranda categorized according to transportation modes”.
The Technical Session of the conference will end tomorrow as the Executive Session takes place on Friday when the Minister of Transportation, Senator Said Ahmed Alkali, Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun would grace the conference.
