The President and Chairman of Council of the Chartered Institute of Transport Administration of Nigeria (CIoTA), Prince (Dr.) Segun Ochuko Obayendo, FInstA, has called for a transport revolution in Nigeria, stressing that transportation must become the heartbeat of the nation’s economic development.
Speaking during a press briefing at the Plateau State Secretariat ahead of the North Central Zonal Transport Conference scheduled for 27th–29th August 2025 in Jos, Dr. Obayendo described the event as “a call to action” for all stakeholders to transform the country’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. This conference is about changing that—with real solutions, real partnerships, and real impact,” he stated.
Themed “Transforming Transport Infrastructure for Sustainable Economic Development in Nigeria”, the conference will gather government leaders, private sector players, development partners, academics, and innovators to address critical issues in the sector.
Dr. Obayendo emphasised that for any economy to be considered truly progressive, the state of its transportation network should be the yardstick. “When you arrive in any country, the first thing that welcomes you is its transport system. It tells you everything about its level of organisation and development. Our mission is to rewrite and change that narrative for Nigeria,” he said.
He lamented that the transport sector in Nigeria remains underappreciated by investors, adding that the conference will also help the private sector understand the opportunities available. According to him, CIoTA—empowered by the National Assembly in 2019 to regulate, professionalise, and advocate for improved transportation—intends to use the platform to push for smarter, technology-driven solutions across all modes: road, rail, air, water, and pipeline.
Citing examples of innovations abroad, Dr. Obayendo recalled an encounter in London where automated number plate recognition technology detected his expired car insurance. “This is not rocket science; Nigeria can deploy the same solutions. Our road transport sector, which handles 90% of goods and passenger movement, should be the starting point for such a revolution,” he stressed.
He argued that transport development should not be left to one state alone, but pursued collectively by the entire North Central region. “If we move together, we will go far. If we move alone, progress will be slow. This is why we are calling the whole region to Jos—to agree on a unified direction,” he added.
The CIOTA President expressed hope that the conference will result in a North Central Transportation Master Plan with measurable targets, ensuring continuity in policy and infrastructure development regardless of leadership changes.
“We will not rest until we achieve this,” he declared. “By the end of the conference, we must be able to tick the box and say, ‘Yes, we delivered something tangible.’ This is the future we envision, and this is why we are here.”
In his remarks, Commissioner Davou Gyang praised Governor Barr. Caleb Mutfwang’s “giant strides” in revamping the state’s transport infrastructure, noting achievements in land, air, and water transportation, as well as the recent resumption of rail services after two decades.
Gyang also highlighted the Metro Bus initiative, improved Lagos–Jos daily flight schedules, and the deployment of boats on River Ebi to connect communities in Shendam to Taraba State. “Choosing Plateau State to host this programme is not a coincidence—it is the right place in the North Central to showcase real progress in transport infrastructure,” he said.
The event will feature a keynote address by Professor Ibrahim Choji, alongside several prominent experts in the field. It will conclude with tours of key transport facilities and tourist attractions in Plateau State.
