Ogun State Commissioner for Transportation, Engr. Gbenga Dairo, has stated that the Intelligent Transport System (ITS) initiative will enhance traffic management, reduce congestion, and minimize human errors in traffic control across the state.

In an exclusive interview at his office in Abeokuta, Dairo explained that the ITS is designed to improve the efficiency and coordination of traffic signals, reducing the workload of the Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE) while ensuring smoother traffic flow on major roads.

“The ITS will allow TRACE officers to focus on more strategic and critical aspects of traffic management, improving the driving experience for commuters and enhancing overall road safety,” he said.

He clarified that the initiative is not intended to replace TRACE officers but to ease road congestion, prevent accidents, and ensure the safety of traffic lights at various junctions, thereby reducing operational errors in traffic control.

“Reducing Human Errors in Traffic Control”

“Well, what most people are familiar with are traffic lights, but the Intelligent Transport System goes beyond that. It is designed to enhance the safety of traffic lights at junctions. Right now, we rely on TRACE officers and police officers to manage traffic, but they are prone to errors, especially at large junctions. The ITS will help mitigate these challenges,” Dairo explained.

He highlighted the disparity in manpower between Ogun and Lagos states, noting that while Lagos has about 5,000 traffic officers, Ogun operates with only 800 TRACE officers covering a vast geographical area. “For a state spanning nearly 180 km from west to east and 90 km from north to south, we simply do not have enough TRACE officers to manage traffic across the entire state. Implementing ITS will significantly reduce their workload,” he added.

“Nationwide Implementation of ITS”

Dairo, who also serves as Chairman of the Nigerian Transport Commissioners Forum, emphasized the importance of adopting ITS nationwide. Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting that included government agencies, private sector players, and civil society organizations, he called for actionable strategies to implement ITS in all 36 states.

“Information is the foundation of progress. We must collect and analyze data to drive informed decisions that will transform our transport systems,” he said.

He also stressed the need for strong political will to ensure ITS implementation, stating, “Without political will, even the best plans will remain on paper. We must unite to push for the necessary policies, funding, and enforcement mechanisms to make ITS a reality in Nigeria.”