LAGOS/Nigeria: Dr. Oluwasegun Musa, a transport management expert and Chairman/Chief Consultant at Global Transport Policy, has highlighted the detrimental impact of inadequate regulations and standards on the growth of Nigeria’s transport sector.
Speaking at a roundtable organized by the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) in Lagos, Musa emphasized that addressing these issues is vital for the industry’s development.
Musa described the transport sector as a crucial component of any nation’s economy, stating, “If the transportation sector is ineffective, it means the country is facing significant challenges.” He noted that various sectors within transportation, such as aviation and railways, have the potential to drive substantial economic growth.
Reflecting on past administrations, Musa questioned why ambitious policies have failed to yield positive economic impacts. He argued that these policies often lack a genuine understanding of transportation dynamics and stressed the importance of integrating a transport-focused approach into economic strategies. “For the country’s economy to advance, we must infuse the spirit of transportation into our policies,” he said.
Musa urged the Federal Government to consider Nigeria’s unique context when designing systems to enhance the transport industry. He pointed out that the road sector is particularly disorganized and poorly regulated, which has resulted in many vehicles being removed from the roads. “If we continue to manage our roads in the current way, we will never achieve coordination, leading to economic slowdowns and unnecessary gridlocks,” he warned.
Furthermore, Musa called for competent personnel to oversee the aviation sector, noting that issues such as excessive taxes and levies hinder its health and efficiency. He advocated for prioritizing cargo movement via rail as a means of enhancing operational efficiency and generating revenue.
Finally, Musa urged the Federal Government to support indigenous courier companies to enable them to compete effectively with foreign counterparts. “We cannot allow foreign players to dominate the sector, especially in a time when job creation is critical. We need to develop local capacities to ensure our people can actively participate and compete,” he concluded.
