Technology key to advancement of Nigeria's transportation industry, says Institute

Mr Segun Obayendi, the newly elected president of the Chartered Institute of Transport Administration (CIOTA), has emphasized the role of technology in the advancement of the country's transportation industry.

Obayendo said this on the sidelines of the 17th National Council on Transportation in Abuja on Monday.

The meeting's theme is "Transport Technology and Innovation for Socio-Economic Sustainability."

The president said the theme of the event was apt, adding that the conference would also be very impactful following the level of programs lined up.

"CIOTA represents the five modes of transportation: aviation, maritime, rail, pipeline, and road transportation.

"A technological needs assessment of five modes of transportation has just been concluded.

"If we deploy these innovations, we can begin to talk about a new Nigeria."

"Technological innovations have made it easy to analyze traffic in real time, providing 100 percent accurate data in all traffic conditions."

"This helps to save time, money, and, of course, boosts internally generated revenue for planning and development."

"We will continue in the drive to attract the best brains in the world. Furthermore, we will be committed to ensuring that CIOTA will continue to source membership from both the public and private sectors, and especially multinationals and international bodies."

The CIOTA, as said, has made an impact in terms of job creation across these modes.

"Now that we have been elected, we have plans in place to further enhance the employability of members so that wherever they find themselves, they will have value to add to that organization."

"They will have a lot to contribute as far as that is concerned. "

He said the institute would sensitize road transportation through automatic number plate recognition (ANPR).

"In the maritime sector, we must commend NIMASA for its technological achievements under the leadership of Dr Bashir Jamoh."

"With the deep blue project, we now have secured gulf of guinea and piracy has been reduced to the barest minimum .

"On rail, the government has now deployed technology such that before a reoccurrence of a train attack now, they will be alerted, technology would detect it and that will help in mitigating insecurity and controlling them. "

Also speaking, the Managing Director, Dala Inland Dry Port, Kano, Alhaji Ahmad Rabiu, commended the council for its impactful efforts over the years.

"The conference is a very important event for all actors in the transportation industry."

"It is the vehicle that provides interaction among all players in the industry, where information is shared and issues are raised for consideration by all," he said.

Rabiu said that during one of the conferences, consideration was given to the Dala inland dryport, and after careful evaluation, the dryport was given support by all stakeholders.

Similarly, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, Akwa-Ibom, Mr. Otuekong Edem, said technology is the basis of human development and that it would be good for Nigeria to accept its dynamics.

Edem said, "The theme of the event is important to Nigeria, but its impact depends largely on political will."

"When we appreciate it as a people, Nigeria will be a better place in the transport sector."