By Davidson Ogbebor

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.

The governor made the offer when he received a delegation from the Federal Ministry of Transportation, led by its Permanent Secretary, Engr. Olufunso Adebiyi, 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.

Okpebholo described the proposed facility as a major development that would stimulate economic growth through job creation, improved security, increased revenue generation and technology transfer.

He said the initiative aligned with his administration’s vision of transforming Edo into a modern state, adding that the selection of Edo for the project was a recognition of its growing importance.

“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,” the governor said.

He assured the delegation of his administration’s support, directing the Edo Geographic Information Service (EdoGIS) to begin 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.

The governor also cited the recent mention of the 83 Armoured Division in connection with Edo State as another indication of the state’s growing national relevance.

Earlier, Adebiyi said the proposed transport data bank was part of President Bola Tinubu’s vision to establish a structured data management system for Nigeria’s land transportation sector, similar to the existing framework in the aviation industry.

He explained that the Federal Government had approved plans to develop standardised bus terminals across the country, beginning with one in each of the six geopolitical zones before extending the programme to other states.

According to him, participating state governments are expected to provide 1,000 square metres of land for an office to house and manage transport data, while the construction cost would not be borne by either the state or federal government.

Adebiyi said the initiative would improve access to transport information, strengthen security, enhance revenue generation and create employment opportunities, while facilitating technology transfer.

He added that the project would commence immediately, describing Edo as the first state he was visiting to advance the initiative.

The visit is expected to pave the way for further discussions between the Federal Ministry of Transportation and the Edo State Government on land allocation and other implementation requirements.

The governor’s Chief of Staff, Hon. Yakubu Musa; the commissioners for Transportation and Public Security and Safety; and other government officials attended the meeting.