MAJAN Sets Agenda For New Minister Of Trade Jumoke Oduwole
MAJAN Sets Agenda For New Minister Of Trade Jumoke Oduwole
…calls for immediate removal of shanties at Mile-2 axis of port road
By Frank Odinukaeze
The Maritime Journalists Association of Nigeria, MAJAN, has called on the new Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, to address illegal activities along Mile-2 axis of Apapa Port road, which is constituting a major impediment to trade facilitation along the ports corridor.
MAJAN made this call as a fall out from its Round Table discussion with the Executive Members of the Nigerian Port Consultative Council led by Mr.Bolaji Sunmola, Chairman NPCC,on Thursday ,24 October,2024,at its World Press Center in Apapa ,and as part of its agenda setting for the new Minister after an inspection of Mile-2 road, particularly the bus stop, by members of the association.
The Association frowned at the disgusting condition of Mile-2 road, which is a major access road linking the seaports in the country.
During the tour of Mile-2 bus stop, there were shocking discoveries. Aside shanties seen all over the road, some people were also seen cooking on the major road, and all manners of petty trading took place on a major road giving access to the seaports.
In fact, during the tour by MAJAN members assigned to inspect the area, Mile-2 bus stop on top of the bridge was eye-saw. The commercial activities taking place on top of the bridge caused serious traffic gridlock on both sides of the road. The situation under the bridge was equally the same.
The environment portrays a shameful sight not befitting a major access road to the nation’s seaports.
MAJAN urged the new Minister to use her expertise in promoting ease of doing business to tackle the menace of non state actors at Mile-2 bridge.
The Association emphasised the need for collaborative efforts among all government agencies and stakeholders in the industry to address illegal trade and activities of hoodlums at Mile-2 bus stop.
Recall that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, in his cabinet reshuffle dismissed five ministers and appointed seven new ones. In doing so, he appointed Dr. Oduwole to oversee the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment.
Prior to this latest appointment, Dr. Oduwole was Special Adviser to the President on Ease of Doing Business in the Office of the Vice President.