George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), on Tuesday in Abuja canvassed for the engagement of technology in the transport sector to boost its efficiency.

Mr Akume, represented by Maurice Mbaeri, the permanent secretary, office of the SGF, made the appeal during his remarks at the sixth National Transport Conference 2024.

The SSG, also the conference’s chairman, said utilising technology had revolutionised the transport sector worldwide by reducing congestion, speeding travel times and optimising routes.

According to him, such effective technologies include smart traffic management, railway corporation digitalisation, railway automated signalling, inter-switch, and pay stack, among others.

“Technology will enhance safety like predictive maintenance, real-time monitoring, and automated emergency response; improve customer experience like personalised services, real-time information, and seamless payments.

“Also, application innovation will help environmental sustainability—reduced emissions, optimised fuel consumption, eco-friendly alternatives and economic growth—to job creation, increase productivity and stimulate economic development,” he said.

He said there was a need to invest in digital infrastructure and transport systems for the sector to properly enhance trade and promote the national economy.

According to him, the policy on land transport systems to improve the regulatory framework is now waiting for the approval of the Federal Executive Council.

Earlier, in his opening remarks, the CIOTA president, Segun Obayendo, said the theme of the event: “ Sustainable Transportation in a Disruptive Era: the Challenges of Developing Economies,“ was carefully chosen to address challenges in the transport sector.

He called on stakeholders in the sector to collaborate and collectively contribute their quota to improve the integrity of the country’s transport sector.

(NAN)