The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace, Festus Keyamo has identified human resources and training as critical agents to the development of the transport sector.
He stated that while speaking on the theme: “Mindset plus skillet: Championing inclusive agenda for women in Nigeria transport industry”, at a one-day women in transport conference held recently in Lagos.
Keyamo, who was represented by the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Obiaghelli Ora, noted that given the heterogenous nature of society, the transport sector should open for more women to participate.
The minister noted, “Suffice it to say that human resources is the key driver of transport management and administration. This makes the issue of training imperative to enable operators to acquire the right skills to be able to manage such a dynamic sector. This is even more important given the massive technological advancement experienced in the sector currently.
“There is a need for deliberate efforts to create an enabling environment to empower women and give them more opportunities to drive in the transport business.
After all, it is said that women are better managers.”
He added that the aviation sector was already championing that cause, saying, “Today in aviation, you have women occupying strategic positions at different levels, contributing to the general growth of the sub-sector.”
Also, the Head of Strategic Partnerships and Investment, Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority, LAMATA, Kemi Williams, mentioned that the transport sector was a fundamental driver of the growth of any economy.
She declared, “Women in the transport industry is critical to address the urgent need of the inclusion of women on a large scale in the transport industry if we are to achieve the necessary balance. We have all been talking about required to harness the full potential of the sector.
“Yet, despite its critical role, it has historically been a space where women’s contributions have been negligible and their potential underutilised.”
She added that the imbalance was not solely a gender issue; it was a missed opportunity for innovation, equity, and sustainable progress.
“Today’s theme invites us to focus on two pillars of empowerment, mindset and skillset, as essential tools to drive inclusiveness in the transport industry,” Williams he
The convener of the conference, Regina Robinson, said, “The event in its entirety will address challenges faced by women in transport and other male-dominated professions. It will promote gender inclusion and advocate for policies and practices that support the inclusion of women at all levels in the transport industry.”
She highlighted the importance of equipping women with the leadership skills required to succeed in every male-dominated industry.
She also stressed the need to engage policymakers to influence the creation and implementation of gender-responsive policies that ensure equal opportunities for women in the transport industry.
