Federal Govt Unveils Plans To Establish Transport Databank

The federal government has unveiled plans to establish a National Transport Databank to strengthen evidence-based transport policy across the country.

Officials said the databank will consolidate road, rail, aviation and maritime data to improve planning, reduce congestion and guide investment decisions, adding that better data will help policymakers target resources and monitor project performance more effectively.

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved the Smart National Transport Databank (SNTDB), Project for the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology (NITT).

The Smart National Transport Databank (SNTDB) Project is a state-of-the-art digital transport intelligence platform designed to collect, integrate, process, analyse, store, and disseminate real-time transport and mobility data across Nigeria.

The approval, according to a statement by NITT media visibility improvement consultant Dr Obinna Nwachukwu, represents a major breakthrough in Nigeria’s transport modernisation agenda and reinforces the federal government’s commitment to building a smart, technology-driven, secure, and data-centric transportation ecosystem capable of supporting sustainable economic growth, national planning, security enhancement, and efficient mobility management.

He also said, “This milestone is a reflection of the visionary leadership, strategic commitment, and tireless efforts of the director-general/chief executive of NITT, Dr Bayero Salih Farah, whose dedication, institutional coordination, stakeholder engagements, and persistent drive played a critical role in the successful actualisation of the Project. Under his leadership, NITT successfully advanced the Project through rigorous technical, regulatory, financial, and stakeholder processes, leading to the historic FEC approval.”

Dr. Nwachukwu further said the project would integrate data to support evidence-based policymaking, transport planning, infrastructure investment, safety management, security operations, and operational efficiency.

According to him, “The project will be implemented under a Public–Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement using the Design–Build–Finance–Operate–Transfer (DBFOT) model in collaboration with Asia-Arab Investment Nigeria Limited (AAI) as the Private Proponent. Key components of the project include: deployment of 250 solar-powered smart gantries nationwide; establishment of Traffic Management Centres across the 36 States and the FCT; development of a centralised National Data Centre; and deployment of RFID-enabled Smart E-Tag technology.”

He further said: “The SNTDB project is expected to deliver far-reaching national benefits, including improved transport planning and policy formulation; enhanced road safety and national security; real-time traffic monitoring and automated enforcement; improved revenue assurance and reduction in leakages; strengthened inter-agency coordination and data integration; digital transformation of the transport sector; and job creation and economic growth opportunities.

“The approval by the federal executive council marks a defining moment in Nigeria’s transportation development journey and positions the country among forward-looking nations leveraging intelligent transport systems and digital infrastructure for national development.

“The Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology appreciates the support of the presidency, the Federal Executive Council, the Federal Ministry of Transportation, regulatory agencies, collaborating institutions, development partners, and stakeholders whose contributions made this achievement possible.

“The milestone further demonstrates the growing relevance of the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology as a strategic national institution driving innovation, intelligence, technology, and policy development within Nigeria’s transportation sector.

“The Institute therefore calls on all stakeholders, state governments, transport operators, development partners, private sector participants, and the general public to support the successful implementation of this historic national project for the collective advancement of Nigeria’s transport sector and national economy.”