We must travel
the road together to a destination of common interest, so that as opportunity
meets policy we are able to chart a mutually benefiting path…” Engr. Dr.
kadiri Hamza
In providing the linkage between our
national infrastructures and economic development, Dr. Kadiri has called on
professionals rise up to the challenge of upping their contribution and
investment in infrastructure in the country. In his word, “we must travel the
road together to a destination of common interest, so that as opportunity meets
policy we are able to chart a mutually benefitting path…” He noted that our
nation cannot be truly developed without sustainable infrastructure and massive
investment in the same and there are abundance opportunities for serious investors.
While focusing on transportation
sector, he noted that there is direct relationship between transportation and
economic growth of any nation. It is due to this proven reality that Lagos
State government place emphasis on infrastructural (facility) development,
particularly in road sector. He observed
that while most people consider this as a social decision rather that economic;
the correlation between infrastructural growth and economic growth is too
obvious to discerning eyes.
In explaining the significant and
dimension to which investment in infrastructure can take place, the vastly
experienced commissioner focused on fundamental changes that is guaranteed from
infrastructural development. He listed, among others, Productivity and national
output, reduced cost of production and competitiveness, labour pool, economic
structure, Geographic impact, Trade Balance, safe lifestyle, and human capital
development just as he took time to do justice to each of them.
In explaining the above the
former Lagos Commissioner for Science and Technology, draws from many studies,
and examples as well as use Lagos as case study. He stated that in many studies about productivity
and infrastructure investment, “highway construction is the second largest
contributor to productivity after demand for goods and services…” it is for
this reason the responsible government invest in the sector, especially transportation
facilities with hope that it will support development, spur economic growth,
alleviate existing deficiencies and to increase public convenience. This is the
standard practice in developed nations as well as in BRIC countries.
He further established that the
existence of an appropriate and high quality transportation system and facilities is can reduce costs in almost
all manufacturing industries and services industries as well.
Lagos, according to him,
contributes 13.32% of the National GDP but accountable for 56% of non-oil GDP
and provides dynamic leadership in term of policy orientation by adopting best
practices in pursuit of the developmental objectives. However, despite the
potential, there is a realization that estimated there is huge infrastructural
deficit conservatively put at $50 billion. Of this amount, 40% ($20 Billion) is
estimated as the cost of roads and drainages, while related transport
activities cost $9.5 billion. This implies that the sector constitutes the
single most dominant area of challenge faced by the state.
Lagos has tenaciously been
pursuing a vision of building Africa’s Model megacity and Global economic and
financial hub. Central to this vision is the development of infrastructural
backbone that will enable its actualization. The policy trust adopted to bring
the vision alive is encapsulated as “Poverty
eradication and sustainable economic growth through infrastructural renewal and
development.”
Since industrial revolution,
transportation development seems to reflect the changes in human social
development. Modes of transportation are really a reflection of changes taking
place in the society. While it is imperative to state that transportation is
not a single determinant of development, as no single fact is, it could be observed
that lack of transport infrastructures constitute critical impediment to development.
Inadequate transportation infrastructures do lead to higher transport costs, clogs
and delays in supply chains. It is always safely concluded that transportation
investment is a wealth producing investment.
Lagos state boosts of 16, 000km
of roads (a combination of federal, state and local government roads.) It has
the largest and most extensive road networks in West Africa. It is linked by
many highways and bridges. Despite all these, Lagos is still challenged by
quality of it roads infrastructures.
Between 1999 and 2012 (as at end
of May), the Lagos administration had invested substantial resources on
development of road infrastructures. In the
pursuit of the development of roads infrastructure the state has recorded significant
boost in it economy well-being.
The administration identifies
strategic roads to develop as a result of paucity of funds. The factor
considered in selection of roads that receive attention are their strategic
positioning, location, frequency and volume of traffic as well as their
importance to the economic wellbeing of the areas they are located. this become
imperative as there is limitation of resources to prosecute the entire road
projects while other sectors also need attention.
Apart from the above, road
development has played vital roles in stimulation of new towns and economic
hubs in the state. This has led to freeing some congested areas; generates new and
sustained jobs to professionals and artisans handling road projects, while
property values have been noticeably appreciating along the areas with improved
road infrastructure. These had direct
impact in the quality of life of the people, and the property owners. It is a
major economic impact..
While the state recognizes that
there is a lot works still to be done, it has put in place, plans for
improvement and expansion of the existing infrastructures. Aside from roads,
the state is investing in rail transportation, waterway among others… All in a
bid to ensure that citizens feel the economic impact of these efforts.
He concluded that Roads and
bridges are among the greatest public works projects that we can utilize to
drive the economy. They allow us move our goods and services and connect people
in very meaningful ways. They have produced significant outcome that enable us
to think about tomorrow in a very positive way. He prays that this will be
replicated by other states across the country. Lagos, according to him has a
culture of investing in infrastructure and will continue to improve upon this
in coming years.
by Isqil Najim
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