Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, has commended the job-creation efforts of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN).
The SGF, who spoke during the commissioning of additional 300 vehicles acquired by RTEAN in Abuja, said the association may have added 5000 jobs to the employment generation efforts of the government.
Mustapha, who was represented by the permanent secretary, Office of the SGF, Olusegun Kayode, said: “…with the commissioning of these vehicles, RTEAN will be adding about 5000 direct and indirect jobs to the economy.
“This will no doubt improve the Nigerian Road Transportation system tremendously and increase the road network as well. It is therefore important at this juncture urge you to introduce Information Communication Technology (ICT) into the transportation sector where commuters will be able to book their tickets online and are availed of a consistent timetable for routes covered by these vehicles.
“Let me use this opportunity to urge other trade Unions in the transportation industry to emulate the worthy example of RTEAN by providing efficient and affordable transport services that boosts economic activities. As this Administration plans to take Nigeria to the Next Level, we cannot continue to do things the old way, but rather, bring new innovations to make our Country a better place for all us.
“I wish to assure you all that government will continue to provide the enabling environment and support, such as good road network, prompt and efficient emergency response system, and develop proper regulations necessary for the success of RoadTransport business in Nigeria”.
While applauding “the zeal and enthusiasm as well as human and financial resources expended by the leadership of the RTEAN and its partners in the procurement of these vehicles”, the SGF said “there is no doubt that by this singular act, posterity will never forget your contribution to the growth and development of Road Transportation in Nigeria”.
Earlier in his welcome address, national president RTEAN, Osakpamwan Eriyo, commended the efforts of the federal government in the area of road construction and maintenance.
This was as he reiterated the association’s earlier support for the re-election bid of President Muhammadu Buhari.
“It is most gratifying and with high sense of satisfaction that l Stand here today to welcome you all to this important and auspicious occasion of the official launching of over two hundred (200) vehicles in the RTEAN mass transit scheme”, Eriyo said.
According to him ,”It should be recalled that in 2014, the RTEAN mass transit scheme was officially flagged off on this same venue which was equally attended and witnessed by Nigerians from all works of life, And I must say here that the RTEAN mass transit scheme has been a success story.
“Let me also say that in spite of all positive efforts put in place to get us to where we are presently, it was not without hectic time, hindrances and noticeable constraints arising from high exchange rate of the naira with the dollar, particularly lack of support and government intervention through provision of grants, loans, or subventions and high cost or non-availability of genuine spare parts in addition to high customs duties for the procurement of the vehicles and spare parts.
“However, I must not forget to sincerely acknowledge and appreciate the positive efforts made by this administration under our dear President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR who has come with genuine intention and high level of commitment to change things for better particularly in the road transport subsector of the economy where roads are presently being put in good conditions throughout the Federation without any segregation or discrimination.
“…on behalf of our over sixteen (16) million members spread across the states of the Federation, we say thank you and may God continue to preserve and protect you to do more for our great country Nigeria, as a pacesetter in Africa. Your exemplary leadership quality is incomparable.”
He continued,”I consider it apposite and utmost important to further explain here that the official launch today is borne out of our deliberate design to empower our members on a continuous basis to offer quality services to the Nation to boost the economic growth by way of complementing the efforts of the present government in trying to put things right for the Nigerian masses.
“For this reason therefore, we want to specially appeal to the government of the Federation through the office of the SGF led by our highly esteemed, Boss Mustapha, who has been very supportive, to come to our aid through provisions of grants, subventions, soft loans or any other means of improving and providing unhindered efficient and effective transport services to Nigerians, bearing in mind the importance of transportation in the positive growth of the Nigerian economy”.
