The President and Chairman of Council of the Chartered Institute of Transport Administration of Nigeria (CIoTA), Prince (Dr.) Segun Ochuko Obayendo, FInstA, has urged a nationwide transport revolution, describing efficient transportation as the heartbeat of Nigeria’s economic development.
Dr. Obayendo made the call during a press briefing at the Plateau State Secretariat ahead of the North Central Zonal Transport Conference scheduled for August 27–29, 2025, in Jos. He described the conference as “a call to action” for stakeholders to overhaul the nation’s transport system.
“Without efficient roads, reliable rail, secure air travel, and connected waterways, markets remain out of reach, businesses struggle, and communities stay isolated,” he said. “This conference is about changing that—with real solutions, real partnerships, and real impact.”
Themed “Transforming Transport Infrastructure for Sustainable Economic Development in Nigeria,” the three-day event will bring together government officials, private sector leaders, development partners, academics, and innovators to address critical sector challenges.
Dr. Obayendo stressed that the quality of a country’s transportation network is a key measure of its progress. “When you arrive in any country, the first thing that welcomes you is its transport system. It reflects its organisation and development. Our mission is to rewrite Nigeria’s story,” he said.
Lamenting the underappreciation of the sector by investors, he said the conference would also highlight opportunities for private sector participation. He noted that CIoTA—empowered by the National Assembly in 2019 to regulate, professionalise, and advocate for improved transportation—would use the platform to promote technology-driven solutions across road, rail, air, water, and pipeline transport.
Citing global innovations, Dr. Obayendo recalled how automated number plate recognition in London detected his expired car insurance. “This is not rocket science; Nigeria can deploy the same. Our road transport sector, which handles 90% of goods and passengers, should be the starting point for such a revolution,” he stated.
He called for a collective regional approach to transport development in the North Central, urging collaboration among states to achieve faster progress. He expressed hope that the conference would produce a North Central Transportation Master Plan with measurable targets to ensure policy continuity regardless of leadership changes.
Commissioner for Transport, Davou Gyang, commended Governor Barr. Caleb Mutfwang’s strides in revitalising Plateau State’s transport sector, citing improvements in land, air, and water transport, the resumption of rail services after two decades, the Metro Bus initiative, enhanced Lagos–Jos flights, and boat services on River Ebi linking Shendam to Taraba State.
Gyang said Plateau was the ideal choice to host the event, given its recent progress in infrastructure. The conference will feature a keynote address by Professor Ibrahim Choji and other transport experts, ending with tours of key transport facilities and tourist sites in the state.
