By; SANI ALIYU, Zaria
The Nigerian Institute for Transport Technology (NITT) Zaria in collaboration with Intelligence Transport System (ITS) UK and other key stakeholders would develop the National Transport Data Bank to strengthen Nigeria’s transport and logistics industry.
Dr. Bayero Salih-Farah, Director-General of the institute, stated in Zaria, that the data is for the five modes of transport which are road, air, marine rail and pipeline.
According to him, the data generation is to enable the institute to act as the center of transport intelligence, which is one of the mandates of the institute; adding that data is a major foundation of any intelligence.
He noted that lack of comprehensive data in the logistics and transport industry is one of Nigeria’s problems in the sector, hence their decision to generate the data.
The DG said the data bank would also enable key players in the sector to monitor vehicular movement across the country.
“When you sit at our ITN Center, you will be able to monitor traffic volumes and passenger movement across the country from one screen at the centre.
“The national transport data bank would also enable people the opportunity to access real-time information,” he explained.
He said the institute is already in partnership with NITDA and other relevant stakeholders in data protection management.
Dr. Bayero added that the partnership is to ensure that NITT deploys the right technology towards safeguarding the information in the database for proper utilization by the key players in the sector.
According to him, the national data bank project would be a-game-changer for the transport and logistics sector; forming the basis upon which intelligent transport systems would be deployed across the country.
“In addition, the data bank would also form a basis upon which the transport system would be more robust, smart and digitalized whereby one would enjoy the transport services seamlessly and simultaneously without hindrances,” he assured.
He added that the data bank would also enable a person to move from train to air to road (bus services) with one payment.
“This is the vision we have for the transport data bank system,” he disclosed, adding that the institute under his stewardship is also working to elevate the standard of NITT to enable it achieve the vision of becoming a leading transport and logistics institute in Africa.
