A former Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Chief Adebayo Sarumi has identified factors that will determine success or failure for the newly appointed Minister of Transportation, Alhaji Mu’azu Sambo.
Sarumi, who is also a former Executive Secretary of Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), made this remark during an exclusive chat with The News Diet, in Lagos, earlier this week.
According to the veteran port administrator, the new Transport Minister, Mu’azu Sambo is at an advantageous position given the robust developments and engagements carried out by his predecessors, hence, he should quickly study the worthwhile developments and recommendations at industry summits in recent times.
Chief Sarumi, however, stressed that the implementation of these strategies should be carried out together with industry stakeholders to avoid a backlash and conflicts following the implementation.
His words: “There are lots of commendable agenda on ground at the Ministry of Transportation. So, the new Minister should be keen to work in line with the goals and objectives of the previous Minister. Rotimi Amaechi performed well in his time as Transport Minister. In fact, he did a wonderful job and anyone who is frank would attest to this. So, there is no need for Sambo to reinvent the will. He can work with the roadmap already in place and collaborate with industry stakeholders to attain success across various aspects of the transport sector.”
Meanwhile, Chief Sarumi seized the opportunity to admonish the transport agencies such as Shippers’ Council, NPA, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), and others to give the new Minister the requisite support and collaboration to make his administration successful.
“As I congratulate this new Minister, I want to enjoin him to speedily get to know the numerous developments that have been recorded in the sector and implement the worthwhile recommendations in partnership with industry stakeholders. This is all that is required for the new Transport Minister to succeed,” he said.
Speaking on the recent boat accidents which claimed over 30 lives in Lagos last week, the former NPA boss called on the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) to be more resolute in their bid to ensure safe practice on inland waterways.