By Edward Oseghe
BENIN CITY – Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has offered 1,000 square metres of land for the proposed establishment of a Smart National Transport Data Bank in the state, describing the project as a major boost to employment, security, revenue generation and economic growth.
Okpebholo gave the assurance while receiving a delegation from the Federal Ministry of Transportation, led by its Permanent Secretary, Engr. Olufunso Adebiyi, FNSE, at Government House, Benin City.
The delegation included representatives of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology (NITT) and Arab Investment.
The governor said the initiative aligned with his administration’s vision of transforming Edo from an ancient City into a modern one, describing the state’s selection as recognition of its growing development prospects.
“Setting up a transport data centre in Edo State is huge. A lot of benefits will come to us. Social benefits will be there, employment will also be there, not to talk of the revenue that will come to us.
“I see it as a development that will uplift our economy in this state. I am delighted that Edo was mentioned in that meeting where the approval was discussed. To me, it is a recognition,” the governor said.
Pledging his administration’s commitment to facilitating the project, Okpebholo directed the Edo Geographic Information Service (EdoGIS) to commence the process of providing the required land.
“Knowing fully well that approval has been given at the federal level, whatever you require from us, including 1,000 square metres of land, we can give you. I will direct EdoGIS to commence the process,” he added.
He also recalled the recent citation of the 83 Armoured Division in Edo despite competition from other states, describing such developments as further recognition for the state.
Earlier, Adebiyi explained that the initiative reflected President Bola Tinubu’s vision of establishing a structured transport data management system for Nigeria’s land transportation sector, similar to the existing framework in aviation.
He disclosed that the Federal Government had approved standardised bus terminals across the country, beginning with one in each geopolitical zone before expanding to other states.
According to him, participating states are expected to provide 1,000 square metres of land for an office to house and manage transport data, while neither the state nor federal government would be required to fund its construction.
Adebiyi said the project would strengthen security, improve revenue generation, facilitate access to transport data, create jobs and promote technology transfer.
“Your Excellency, this project has come to stay and it will kick-start immediately. Edo is the first state I am visiting for this purpose,” he said.
The Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Yakubu Musa, JP; the Commissioners for Transportation and Public Security and Safety; and other government officials attended the meeting.