Senate Pledges More Funds for Transport Institute
By ALEX UANGBAOJE, Zaria
Joint National Assembly Committee on Land Transport on Tuesday reiterates it’s commitment to continue to support the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology (NITT), Zaria, Kaduna State in the area of budgetary allocation for adequate financing of the Institute.
They gave the assurance when the pay an oversight visit the institution in Zaria, commending the institution for an improvement and job well done since their last visit.
In his remarks, Chairman Senate Committee on Land Transport, Senator Olugbenga Ashafa, said though, the visit was not met to be a witch hunt on the institution, but the committee is keen on scrutinising the capital expenditure/budgetary performance for effective performance.
Senator Ashafa, charge the institution to come up with an amendments that can help them to be in line with the current realities in the country.
“Our driving force remains our commitment to working assiduously towards creating the desired change the federal government ably led by President Muhammadu Buhari is trying to achieve. He added.
On his part, House of Representatives Committee Chairman on Land and Transport, Engr. Aminu Sani Isa, commended the institution for job well done by turning the tide on infrastructural development between February when they last visited and now.
He added that the committee is always ready to cooperate with the Institute to ensure they achieve their mandate to Nigerians in the areas of delivering world-class training and research capabilities in transport technology.
In his Welcome Address, Director General and Chief Executive, NITT, Dr. Aminu Yusuf, noted that because of the pivotal role transport play in nation’s development, it is imperative for the institution to work closely with the legislators.
He explained that, “a nation’s development is a reflection of it’s transport system. As you are aware transport oils the wheel of progress. All modes of transport work in tandem to propel the economy of every nation.
“And for the sector to effectively carry out this very important function, there must be a corresponding well trained manpower in place, this is the crucial gap NITT was created and mandated to fill.”
Dr. Yusuf, also noted that part of the challenge the institution is face is inadequate funds for publicity that could have allowed for vigorous enlightenment campaigns of their programmes.
He therefore , appealed to the joint committee of both houses give more attention by appropriating adequate funds to enable them take care of their adverts and marketing needs in the 2017 budget and subsequent annual budgets in order for them to achieve the desired results.
