Minister implores institute to advance transport sector

The Minister of Transportation, Mu'azu Sambo has implored the Nigerian Institute of Transportation Technology (NITT) to devise strategies to advance the transportation sector.

Sambo, in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Dr Sam Idiagbonya, said this during the familiarisation visit to the institute in Zaria.

According to him, the strategies will increase NITT's standard, particularly as there are upcoming transport schools in Nigeria.

"NITT should also upgrade its curriculum according to global best practice and affiliate with various research institutions thereby increasing the knowledge base of its lecturers and beneficiaries.

"This is necessary to place the institute on a high pedestal as a training hub in Nigeria, Africa and the World at large." the minister said.

Sambo commended the leadership of NITT for what he described as a rapid infrastructural development of the institute.

He said he was delighted to be physically present to inspect, familiarise and have first-hand knowledge of the projects and milestone achievements of the institute.

"This unique transformation will surely open doors for more patronage," he said.

The minister said NITT was established in March 14, 1986 to solve the problems of capacity gap in the transportation sector.

He said in line with its mission, NIIT had over the years rolled out competent transport professionals in all modes of transportation to bridge the capacity gap in the sector.

"I am particularly impressed that in a bid to align with the current trends in Transportation, NITT has taken steps to affiliate with other research institutions in the world.

"In the same vein, I am pleased with the expanded programmes and upgraded curriculum of the school to global standards.

"I am particularly delighted with the Transport Technology Centre (TTC).

"The TTC is equipped with world class equipment and tools designed to enable the Institute fulfill its mandate of ensuring effective and efficient transport operation and management.

"The completion of the Intelligent Transport System (ITS) Centre will also be a major feat for the institute and the Nigerian Transportation Sector as a whole," he said.

Sambo reiterated that the President Muhammadu Buhari administration had made transportation one of its topmost priorities and had invested considerably in the sector in the last seven years.

He however said that a lot was still needed to advance the transportation sector to enable Nigeria overcome the deficit in the sector.

"I appreciate the contributions and achievement recorded so far by the Management of Nigeria Institute of Transport Technology in the area of training, research and huge investment on infrastructure.

"But there is still need for the research institute to do a lot more by providing a leading role in putting Nigeria Transport sector in its rightful place in the global space.

"Permit me to commend the different levels of leadership in NITT, for all the hard work and efforts to change the trajectory of the transport sector for good and for being pivotal in the upward beat in the transport industry.

"I, particularly thank the governing board of the great institute for ensuring clarity of vision and providing good strategic directions to the Institute.

"This couldn't have been without all hands been on deck. Congratulations, and keep the momentum. Thank you all and God bless." he said.