Stakeholders applaud FG’s achievement in transport industry
Speaking at an appreciation dinner held in Lagos at the weekend to honour the former ministers, which was organised by the League of Maritime Editors (LOME), the stakeholders pointed out that the transport and maritime sectors experienced positive outcomes, which include, approval for the disbursement of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF) by former President Muhammadu within a period of nine weeks, which had been stalled repeatedly for close to two decades.
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They also listed the implementation of Cargo Tracking Notes (CTN), reinforcement of the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP) for maritime-related training courses, the establishment of a one-stop-shop port community system to promote inter-connectivity and efficiency, reintegration of ports outside Lagos into the national system, among other achievements.
The immediate past Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Chairman of the occasion, Boss Mustapha, commended Sambo for his humility and ability to work harmoniously with the presidency, legislature, heads of agencies and stakeholders in the transport industry.
Mustapha, who was represented by the Deputy Chairman of the Senate Committee on Marine Transport, Tolu Odebiyi, acknowledged the numerous projects accomplished under Sambo’s leadership, including the initiation of trains and boats. He expressed hope that Sambo’s contributions would be duly recognised and rewarded in the new administration.
The Executive Secretary, NSC, Emmanuel Jime, hailed Sambo’s leadership, specifically citing the approval for the reintroduction and implementation of the cargo tracking note, which was suspended about eight years ago.
Jime noted that this feat remained a game-changer in Nigeria’s quest towards cargo security, which the council and entire maritime industry would never forget.
The Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mohammed Bello-Koko recognised the Lekki deep seaport as the authority’s most significant achievement under Sambo’s tenure.
Bello-Koko assured the ministers that NPA would continue to pursue the burning desire in transforming Nigeria’s seaports into regional hubs by promoting automation, renewing port infrastructure, deepening the equipment fleet and overall enhancing efficient service delivery and customer satisfaction.
The Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Bashir Jamoh, highlighted Sambo’s unique perspective as an insider with a deep understanding of the maritime sector.
Jamoh pointed out the progress made during Sambo’s tenure, such as the establishment of numerous zonal offices, operational boats, clinics, and several other accomplishments.
The Managing Director, the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Fidet Okhiria, appreciated Sambo and Adegoroye for their contributions to the success of the NRC modernisation projects.
In his welcome address earlier, the President of LOME, Timothy Okorocha, praised Sambo’s commitment to improved governance, capacity building and growth within the industry.
He acknowledged the former minister’s performance and efforts to drive transformational change by focusing on implementation and execution rather than mere rhetoric.
Okorocha commended Sambo’s proactive approach, including his commitment to resolving long-standing issues such as the disbursement of the CVFF, capacity building in the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology (NITT), Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), as well as the other strategic efforts deployed to moving the industry forward to its present pedestal.
Responding, the former minister of transportation attributed his successful tenure to the unwavering support from stakeholders in the sector and a highly competent workforce in the ministry.
Sambo explained that the support and collaboration of transport industry stakeholders and heads of agencies under the ministry were instrumental in achieving the positive results
