by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The Chartered Institute of Transport Administration of Nigeria (CIoTA), in collaboration with the Plateau State Government, is bringing together government leaders, private sector players, development partners, academics, and innovators to address one central question – which is: “How do we build a Transport System that drives sustainable growth, connects communities and transforms the North Central region into a hub of economic opportunity?”
The President/Chairman Council of the CIoTA, Prince Dr. Segun Ochuko Obayendo, disclosed this, while briefing Newsmen at the Conference Hall of State Secretariat Jos, on Wednesday.
He highlighted that, “This is not just another meeting – it is a call to action. The the theme of this year’s conference is: ‘Transforming Transport Infrastructure for Sustainable Economic Development in Nigeria.’ ”
He mentioned sub-Themes to include: ‘Leveraging Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) for Transport Infrastructure Development: Strategies and Opportunities in Nigeria’s Transport Sector,’ ‘Innovations in Transport Technologies,’ ‘Enhancing Efficiency and Sustainability in Land, Sea, and Air Transport.’
Other themes are: ‘Financing Transportation Projects,’ ‘Ensuring Sustainable Investment in Nigeria’s Transport Future,’ ‘Sustainable Transport and United Nations SDGs,’ ‘Aligning Nigeria’s Transport Policy with Global Sustainability Goals,’ ‘Integrating Multi-modal Transport System,’ ‘Enhancing Connectivity and Efficiency – Sustainable Transport and United Nations SDGs.’
Others are also: ‘Aligning Nigeria’s Transport Policy with Global Sustainability Goals,’ ‘XRay Transport Infrastructure and Development in Plateau State-Smart Transit.’
While the keynote speaker is Prof. Ibrahim Choji, formerly of Nigerian Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, near Jos, there is also a lined-up cream of technocrats and academicians/professionals in the field of transportation that will deliver lectures at the conference.
He said others include: Dr. Kayode Opeifa, Managing Director Nigerian Railway Corporation; Dr. Danjuma Ismaila, Rector/CEO Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria, Kaduna State; Dr Salih Bayero Farrah, Director-General, Nigeria Institute of Transport Technology, Zaria, Kaduna State, and Prof. Samuel, G. Odewumi, Lagos State School of Transport, among others.
“As you are aware that, government leaders, private sector partners, academics, and innovators, united by one goal – to build a transport system that drives sustainable growth, connect communities, and transforms the North Central region into a hub of opportunity.”
The CIoTA President explained further that, “Transportation is the heartbeat of any economy. 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 of our focus. The three days’ conference we will explore: *Public-Private Partnerships to finance and deliver major projects, innovations in Technology to make transport smarter and greener; *Multi-Modal Connectivity to link rail, road, air, and water; *Security and Sustainability to protect both people and investments.”
Prince Obayendo noted that, “This is ‘Call to Action,’ because ideas alone will not transform our transport system; implementation will. From this conference, we will produce recommendations that are practical, measurable, and time-bound.”
“While ensuring that farmers get their produce to market faster, passengers travel safe and goods move cheaper and more efficiently across our region. The program will be rounded up on Thursday, 27th to 29th August, 2025, with the visitation and tour of tour attractions, transport and logistics establishment within Jos, Plateau State.”
Speaking earlier, the Commissioner for Transport in Plateau State, Jatua Davou Gyang, said, the conference of the North Central Region of CIoTA brings all the states of the North Central to Plateau State, to brainstorm on issues that affect transportation within the North Central Region of Nigeria, with the topic, ‘Transforming Transport Infrastructure for Sustainable Economic Development in Nigeria.’
Jatua Davou commended the State Government for the giant strides of the Governor, Barrister Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, in the transportation sector, saying, “where there is massive turnaround in the transportation sector, from air transportation, to land, to sea; I mean, yeah, to sea. I mean, the coastal areas we have in Boras, the coastal areas we have in Chara Baste, for those of you who don’t know, we recently deployed a Code 2 to River Ibi. You know, that takes care of our people, from Shendam and other islands that go to Taraba.
“So, we also have connections to the sea. That’s the coastal areas, for your information. In the rails, for those of you who have been glued to your televisions, the internet, and, you know, being close to rail lines, you would know that this case, we have resumed rail transportation right after about two decades of absence,” he stated.
The Commissioner further explained that, “These are the transport infrastructure we are talking about, and they are the drivers of all economic developments in the state.
“For those businessmen, those students, those who venture in a lot of activities that have had the privilege of using the metro bus, we are getting to the fact that it’s a venture that has brought so much relief to Plateau citizens in recent times.
“So, these are all efforts towards a sustainable development, economic development on the Plateau. It has boosted businesses where we have people venturing into activities of all kinds, metro busses, trains, and other activities that have boosted.”