Transportation Infrastructures (roads, rail, airports and seaports) are the arteries for the free flow of people, goods and information; three things necessary in a manufacturing and export economy.

If the eyes are the light to human soul, then the airports and seaports are the eyes that international business travelers see a country with. How important these transportation infrastructures are to the manufacturing economy is as good as anybody can gues and that is what the three point agenda of the Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan led administration seek to address. Although the 68 items on the exclusive list of the Federal government has continued to militate against the independent development of our dear state. In spite of these barriers, the state government took the bull by the horn to build an international airport in Asaba which is supposed to be the responsibility of the Federal government.
The exclusive legislative list has 68 items for which the federal government can legislate on and by extension implement as against 30 items in the concurrent legislative list (for both state Houses of Assembly and the National Assembly to legislate on). The historical origin for this enlarged exclusive list for the central government stems from the long years of military leadership and the need to ‘keep the country together’ following the civil war. From empirical evidence which can be found in the everyday lives of Nigerians and the inability of the government to meet its objectives in performing its functions under the exclusive list, the extant legal framework has not been very efficient. Without prescribing any ‘ideal model’, it is necessary to interrogate the effectiveness of the current framework and see to what extent we can unbundle the exclusive list to ensure efficiency.
It is important to underscore the point that what counts in the distribution of powers in a federation is the efficiency and effectiveness in having such function domiciled in a particular tier of government. If it relates to road for instance, the question would be which tier of government is better positioned to perform the duty? Another question is as to where the nexus of accountability as between the tier of government and the beneficiaries of such services is better located. It would seem therefore, that some of the services of the federal government at the local level which by extension demands over-bloated workforce are not really necessary. These functions can be better performed by state governments and local governments.
Assigning extra functions to the states and local government will require therefore a review of the federal allocation formula especially a downwards review of what comes to the federal government. This will achieve two things: limit the overbearing influence of the federal government and also reduce the high stakes that has become of federal political positions. This I will argue will also address the contentious and divisive question of whom and which section of the country is in the saddle of power at the federal centre.
The domestic need for transportation infrastructure brings with it the possibility to become an important link in the regional transportation system in the movement of goods manufactured in the rural areas (where most manufacturing facilities should be located anyway). The procurement of over 1200 water bus by the state government has effectively address the challenges of transportation in the riverine areas of Delta State. International business travelers must agree that Airport ,security and foreign investment go hand in hand. Travel is a basic necessity for business to be conducted between countries, while symbolizing a deeper connection that is fundamental to a country’s economic future. Aviation is the travel mode of the world; the first and last impression is your airport. Foreign investment is going to come from people who fly. It is vital, if Nigeria is going to become a manufacturing export economy that encourages businesspeople to come in. The bottom line is that if you can’t get there, you can’t trade. Improving airport security is so critical for international trade. To attract travelers and commercial shippers, air travel to Nigeria must be safe and secure.
It is important to note that the administration of President goodluck Jonathan would endeared itself to the public if concerted effort is made to devolve power from the center to ensure rapid development in the various states that Make up the federation.
The government of Delta State has shown to the world that the state is capable of feeding the Niger Delta with the growing of carrot, water melon, apple etc at the Songai Delta Amukpe.Remarkably, key areas like health, education, shelter, food and social infrastructure, road construction and electricity, have continued to receive government’s due attention.
For instance, as a way of ensuring food sustenance, the state government, in 2008, launched the Accelerated Food Programme via the Youth Empowerment through Agriculture (YEP) programme and that programme has in no small way contributed to youth empowerment and food production across the state.
What else can I say other than to pray for the man whom God has used to transform the state within a short period of time. To God be the glory, Uduaghan three point agenda is working. God bless the architect of modern Delta State.
By Comrade Sanco Ovie