The Federal Government has commended Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) over the launched of 300 vehicles in its first phase of mass transit support scheme.
In his address at the launch of the Scheme on Tuesday in Abuja, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha said: “I wish to commend 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.”
” 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.”
He explained further that: “It is therefore important at this juncture urge you to introduce Information Communication Technology (ICT) into the transponation sector where commuters will be able to book their tickets online and are availed of a consistent timetable for routes covered by these vehicles.”
Mustapha 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. I therefore urge the beneficiaries of the vehicles to cultivate a high sense of responsibility in operating and maintaining the vehicles in line with best practices.”
“I wish to implore the RTEAN to source for more partners and collaborators so that your contributions and impact could reach the remotest areas of this country where most of our citizens make their living.”
“Let me also call on RTEAN to continue to focus on evolving competitive and cost effective Mass Transit Scheme which is within the reach of the ordinary Nigerians. You should always liaise with regulatory agencies such as the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) to maintain safety of the vehicles.”
According to him, “to compliment your efforts in effective and efficient road transportation, the present government has initiated and completed major roads and carried out major repairs of bad roads across the country. The government has also started and commissioned some rail lines to ease the transportation of goods and people across the country.”
On his part, the executive National President of RTEAN, Comrade Osakpomwan Eriyo seek government intervention through soft loans and grants.
He said “we want to specifically appeal to the government of the federation through the SGF, 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 Nigeria economy.”
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