The Nigerian Forum of Transport Commissioners has reiterated the importance of technology in advancing the country’s transport industry.
Forum Executive Secretary Ms Chinwe Uwaegbute said at the Federation National Director/Chief Road Traffic Officer meeting in Kogi.
Major changes in transportation technology over the years have completely upended the status quo and have had a lasting impact on the industry, Uwaegbute said in a statement Wednesday.
According to her, traffic management is becoming safer. She added that while collecting traffic data has never been easier, advanced driver assistance systems will help provide a safe and relaxing driving experience.
“Technological innovations make it easy to analyze traffic in real time, providing 100% accurate data in all traffic situations.
“This helps save time, costs and of course increases the revenue generated internally for planning and development.
“With the introduction of technology, license plate recognition has become a breeze for transportation departments. It is a real-time based system for tracking and identifying vehicles by capturing and analyzing live camera feeds.
“The system’s automated information resources add an important component to the decision-making process for various applications such as access control, parking and visitor management, traffic surveys and toll collection systems,” she said.
Uwaegbute highlighted that over time, continents and countries around the world, including Africa, have utilized various technologies to implement the laws, rules and regulations governing their respective motor vehicle management and enforcement.
“Through this, they have built a reliable database that will facilitate informed decision-making, resource planning, management and allocation on a global scale,” she said.
Uwaegbute recalls that in 2018, the Lagos government challenged its ministries, departments and agencies to develop a clear operating model driven by technology.
When implemented, the technology-enhanced safety of life and property has increased the revenue it generates by plugging loopholes and stimulating operational standards for other stakeholders, she said.
“It is necessary to say that Lagos, its peers and the rest of the world would not have achieved this landmark record without various technologies.
“The strategic measures implemented also help curb the state’s growing disregard for traffic rules and regulations and ensure service consistency and timeliness.
“It’s worth noting that motor vehicle regulation in our states has reaped more benefits than it currently has.
“These services include services such as weighing bridge systems, Hackney permits, driver testing services, automation and issuance of rider cards for tricycles and motorcycles.
“These resources are largely untapped in most states, resulting in millions or even billions of lost revenue,” Uwaegbute said.
The Executive Secretary said that in order to maintain sanity, safety, security and standards on the roads, everyone should be considered a stakeholder because roads are a shared asset for all and of all kinds.
“Therefore, as governments, we must take a concerted effort to leverage technology, particularly in motor vehicle management and regulations, to comply with best practice,” she said.
According to the executive secretary, this will place the country on the global map of vehicle regulation, road safety and security compliance and generate revenue for national planning and economic development.
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