By; MATTHEW UKACHUNWA, Lagos
Minister of Transportation, Senator Said Ahmed Alkali, has described
Smart National Transport Databank as a fundamental factor for the development of Nigeria’s national transport system.
Alkali made the statement on Tuesday, while declaring open a one-day Stakeholders Engagement Forum on Smart National Transport Databank.
The event which was organized by Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology (NITT), Zaria took place at Continental Hotel, Abuja on January 23, 2024.
The transportation minister in his keynote address declared: “This stakeholders engagement which focuses on the strategic importance of Smart National Transport Databank is a fundamental factor for the development of the National Transport System.
“The objective of this engagement is to guide the way towards an effective and efficient transport data collection and management system in the country.
“Similarly, it will sensitize stakeholders on the need and importance of transport data for national planning, improved policy formulation and synergy in the transport sector, as well as facilitating economic growth and development.”
Alkali pointed out that since he became minister of transportation he has made the project a top priority, stressing the desire to give his maximum support for the success of the Smart National Transport Databank.
He said that data management on the international scene is becoming increasingly complex, in view of globalization and the emergence of new technology defined by the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in decision-making process.
The minister emphasized that reviewing the existing transport data collection and management system in Nigeria, as well as developing an institutional framework for regular collection and analysis of transport data is essential to national development.
He commended NITT for organizing the forum for stakeholders to brainstorm on the strategic importance of developing a viable and sustainable smart transport databank for the socio-economic development of Nigeria.
“The decision for the establishment of a National Transport Databank was approved by the National Council on Transportation at its meeting held in Makurdi, Benue State in 2012,” the transportation minister disclosed.
He said that it was on the basis of the approval that Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology was mandated by the Council to liaise with relevant stakeholders to establish the National Transport Databank to be housed in NITT and the Federal Ministry of Transportation.
The minister enjoined respective agencies in the transport sector to cooperate with NITT by constantly supplying necessary data for storage, processing and dissemination.
