The Chartered Institute of Transport Administration of Nigeria has decried the challenges facing the transport sector in the Southeast despite the huge economic potential of the zone.
The zonal coordinator of the association, Mrs Ijeoma Clara Okere, stated this while addressing the media on its forthcoming conference slated for Umuahia, the Abia State capital.
Okere, who is also the chairman of the Planning Committee of the conference, explained that it is being organised in collaboration with the state government and stakeholders in the sector.
”The challenges include traffic congestion, inadequate public transport systems, environmental degradation, road safety concerns and increasing demand for efficient mobility solutions.
”The conference would provide a platform for stakeholders to address emerging transportation challenges and explore sustainable solutions for the region and the country,” she noted.
The chairman further informed that the theme of conference is, “Advancing Urban Transport Through Sustainable Urban Mobility and Green Energy Solution.”
”It is intended to stimulate discussions on modern transportation systems capable of supporting economic growth and addressing environmental concerns.”
Okere said the governor, Dr Alex Otti, would serve as the chief host; former minister of State for Mines and Steel, Uche Ogah, chairman; and Hon Mark Okoye of SEDC, co-chairman.
She noted that the conference would feature a keynote presentation by Prof Innocent Ogwude, the deputy vice-chancellor (Administration), Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko.
Others are the commissioner for Transport, Dr Chimezie Ukaegbu, and the senior special assistant to the governor on Transportation, Dr Obioma Nwaogbe, among policymakers in the sector.
Contributing, Nwaogbe observed that the state was selected to host the conference because of the ongoing urban transport transformation of the present administration.
