FEC Approves Smart National Transport Databank Project
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the Smart National Transport Databank (SNTDB) Project proposed by the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology (NITT) under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Transportation.
The project is aimed at establishing a technology-driven transport intelligence platform that will collect, integrate, process, analyse, store and disseminate real-time transport and mobility data across the country.
According to NITT, the initiative is designed to support evidence-based policymaking, transport planning, infrastructure investment, safety management, security operations and improved operational efficiency within Nigeria’s transport sector.
The institute explained that the project would help build a smart, secure and data-driven transportation ecosystem capable of enhancing sustainable economic growth, national planning and efficient mobility management.
The SNTDB Project will be implemented through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement using the Design-Build-Finance-Operate-Transfer (DBFOT) model in collaboration with Asia-Arab Investment Nigeria Limited (AAI) as the private proponent.
Key components of the project include the deployment of 250 solar-powered smart gantries nationwide, establishment of Traffic Management Centres in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, development of a centralised national data centre, and deployment of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)-enabled smart e-tag technology.
NITT stated that the project is expected to improve transport planning and policy formulation, enhance road safety and national security, enable real-time traffic monitoring and automated enforcement, as well as improve revenue assurance and reduce leakages.
The Director-General and Chief Executive of NITT, Dr. Bayero Salih Farah, said the project would also strengthen inter-agency coordination and data integration, drive digital transformation in the transport sector, and create jobs and economic growth opportunities.
Farah described the approval by FEC as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s transportation development journey, noting that it positions the country to leverage intelligent transport systems and digital infrastructure for national development.
He commended the Presidency, the Federal Executive Council, the Federal Ministry of Transportation, regulatory agencies, collaborating institutions, development partners and other stakeholders for their contributions toward the approval of the project.
According to him, the development further underscores the growing relevance of NITT as a strategic national institution driving innovation, intelligence, technology and policy development in Nigeria’s transportation sector.
The institute also called on state governments, transport operators, development partners, private sector participants and the general public to support the successful implementation of the project for the advancement of the nation’s transport sector and economy.
