The new Minister of Transportation, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, has pledged to invigorate the ministry to ensure the provision of better infrastructure in the areas of roads, bridge network, maritime services and aviation.

She gave the assurance when she assumed duties at the Mabushi Abuja headquarters of the ministry.

Addressing the management staff of the ministry, she observed that President Umaru Yar’Adua had made promises, which must be kept, adding that the Nigerian public deserved better infrastructure than hitherto existed across the country.

The minister noted that the ministry had done a lot in the past, but that services were to be provided with greater efficiency in the next four years.

She said, "It is important for all of us to really get down and work as quickly as possible and get to grips with the enormity of the task we have ahead of us. It is a monumental task, and I will really be looking up to all of you to pull together and support us as we go about the task.

"We have really to look at focused, deliberate strategic plans to put together the sort of developmental infrastructure we need in this country, in this dispensation. History will judge us on the strength of our programmes and attainment in that regard. We have a lot of work ahead, and frankly, four years is not a lot of time. So, I am rearing to go. I hope everybody here is rearing to go along with us," she added.

The former head of SPDC’s Project Unit in Lagos called for the cooperation of all staff of the ministry to enable them achieve the mandate given to them by President Yar’Adua.

The Minister of State, Prince John Okechukwu Emeka, in his remarks, observed that Nigerians expected a lot from them, and pledged their preparedness to deliver. He stated that they were in the ministry to work, and called for the support of everyone, adding, "I want all of you to make us proud."

Permanent secretary in the ministry, Nu’uman Barau Dambatta, assured the ministers of the total support and cooperation of all the staff in the ministry.