NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
FUTD inaugurates transportation data framework committees

FUTD inaugurates transportation data framework committees

242 total views today

By Gabriel Agbeja

The Federal University of Transportation, Daura (FUTD), Katsina State on Wednesday inaugurated the two committees to carry out  the national research on transportation data framework in the country.

Dr Muiz Banire, the FUTD Chairman of Governing Council, made the disclosure during the university’s fifth council`s meeting in Abuja.

According to him, the council has established a committee on Framework for the collection of Baseline Data and Research on Transportation Indices in Nigeria.

He said the committee would address current gaps in road, rail, air, and water transport indices, ranging from vehicle usage patterns and traffic volumes to accident rates, public transport demand and environmental impacts.

Banire said the council also established a committee on the Significance of History and Impacts of Trans-Saharan Route and Trade.

He said the committee would deal with trans-saharan routes and trade that cut across northern to central Africa.

According to him, such development is not just an academic pursuit but a national imperative.

“The University Council recently approved these projects, which will be implemented under the leadership of Prof. Odewumi Samuel, former Dean of Lagos State University’s School of Transport and Logistics.

“Also, Prof. Yakubu Ochefu, former Vice-Chancellor, Kwararafa University, Wukari and immediate past Secretary-General of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities.

“The two research projects represent a transformative step toward building a robust, data-driven transportation policy ecosystem in Nigeria and the historical perspective of the trans-Saharan route and trade that cut across northern to central Africa,” he said.

Speaking, the FUTD Vice Chancellor, Prof. Umar Katsayal, said that the absence of consistent baseline data on transportation indicators had long hindered strategic planning, investment, and reform in Nigeria’s transport sector.

The vice chancellor said the knowledge of what happened during the trans-Saharan trade in Nigeria ought to be well researched into.

He added that the committees would focus on developing a standardised and technology-supported framework for systematically collecting, managing, and analysing transport data nationwide.

“Reliable data is the bedrock of infrastructure development, policy formulation, safety management, and economic growth. We are proud to lead this pioneering initiative in the interest of national development.

“The multimillion research initiatives, funded internally and through anticipated partnerships, will draw upon local expertise and global best practices.

“Field activities are scheduled across multiple States. It also involves partnerships with relevant government agencies, private sector stakeholders, and civil society to ensure inclusive and sustainable outcomes, “ it said.

According to him, key research outcomes will include a national transportation data framework, policy recommendations for improved governance and strengthened institutional capacity for transport planning and monitoring.

Prof. Odewumi Samuel, the Leader of the Committee on “Framework for the collection of Baseline Data and Research on Transportation Indices in Nigeria described the national project as a feedback of FUTD to the society.

Prof. Yakubu Ochefu, the Leader of the Committee on the “Significance of History and Impacts of Trans-Saharan Route and Trade “said the efforts of the committee would definitely strengthen the African Free Trade Act. (NAN)

Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

Align operations, investments with PIA framework for efficiency – SPE

Align operations, investments with PIA framework for efficiency – SPE

436 total views today

By Emmanuella Anokam

The Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), Nigeria Council, has underscored the need to align operations and investments within the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA 2021) framework, to ensure the sector’s transparency, efficiency and investors’ confidence.

Dr Amina Danmadami, Chairman SPE, Nigeria Council, made this known on Thursday in Abuja at its 2025 edition of the Oloibiri Lecture Series and Energy Forum (OLEF).

The OLEF, with the theme as “Driving Energy Sustainability Through Technology, Policy and Supply Chain Excellence” was hosted by the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF).

Danmadami who reaffirmed their commitment towards ensuring that Nigeria’s oil and gas sector remained future-proof, competitive and sustainable, described the implementation of the PIA as a landmark reform.

“The path to sustainability in our context is not one of displacement, but one of optimisation, leveraging technology to drive efficiency, tightening our supply chains and creating enabling policies to enhance sector resilience.

“Technology, whether through digital oilfields, reservoir optimisation, AI-based predictive maintenance or enhanced recovery techniques, continues to be a powerful enabler.

“With the right investments and strategic partnerships, these innovations can significantly improve productivity, reduce environmental impact and enhance asset integrity,” she said.

She emphasised the need for a robust supply chain for cost competitiveness and business continuity in the oil and gas industry, adding that the supply chain excellence must be a strategic priority.

“From local content development to procurement integrity and logistics optimisation, a robust supply chain is vital for cost competitiveness and business continuity.”

Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of PTDF, Mr Ahmed Aminu, represented by Ifeoma Nwokeike, General Manager, Projects, PTDF, assured of robust partnership in advancing critical programmes and initiatives in the Oil and Gas sector

Aminu said since 2015, PTDF had remained a consistent supporter of the OLEF, recognising its strategic value as a platform for policy dialogue, stakeholder engagement and forward-thinking discourse on energy development in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa.

“The annual lecture series, commemorating the historic 1956 oil discovery at Oloibiri, represents more than a celebration of our petroleum legacy.

“It reflects our collective aspirations for sustainable energy growth through innovation, strategic partnerships, and capacity building.

“As the agency mandated to build human and institutional capacity for Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, we understand the critical interplay between robust policy, technological advancement and supply chain resilience in achieving energy security.

“PTDF remains committed to supporting initiatives like OLEF that drive innovation, empower professionals and shape policies that will define the future of energy in Nigeria,” he added. (NAN)

Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

X
Welcome to NAN
Need help? Choose an option below and let me be your assistant.
Email SubscriptionSite SearchSend Us Email