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