As part of strategic move to enhance road traffic management, the Oyo State Government has announced a strategic partnership with telecommunications giant Globacom to digitalize its traffic management system.
The initiative is part of the state government’s expanded efforts to leverage technology in addressing urban mobility challenges and improving road safety.
Governor Seyi Makinde, represented by his Chief of Staff, Honorable Segun Ogunwuyi, launched and flagged off the first phase of the Telecoms and Digitalization partnership between Globacom and the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Agency (OYRTMA).
Speaking shortly before the official unveiling of the partnership held on Tuesday, January 21 at the state government secretariat in Ibadan, the governor said the move aims to integrate cutting-edge digital tools to monitor, regulate, and optimize traffic flow across the state.
Westernmirror.com.ng reports that under the partnership, Globacom will deploy its advanced telecommunications infrastructure and innovative digital platforms to support traffic monitoring, data collection, and real-time communication between road users and traffic authorities.
The system is expected to include features such as digital traffic lights, mobile applications for traffic updates, and automated traffic violation reporting.
He said the partnership embodies the vision of the present administration in the state to leverage on technology to improve the quality of life of the people in its smart city agenda.
He added that fficient traffic management remains critical to the economic and social development of Oyo State.
“This event is a testament to what can be achieved when innovation meets commitment, and public-private partnerships align with a shared vision for progress.
“Today, we celebrate an innovative partnership between the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA) and Globacom Limited, a leading telecommunications giant in Nigeria, as we usher in a new era of digitized traffic management in Oyo State.
“This partnership embodies the vision of the administration of His Excellency Engineer Seyi Makinde in leveraging technology to address the challenges of governance, enhance efficiency, and improve the quality of life for every citizen of Oyo State.
“At the heart of governance is the drive to improve the quality of life for our people. Efficient transportation systems are a cornerstone of that aspiration. Transportation is the lifeblood of any society. Our roads connect people to opportunities, goods to markets, and communities to one another.
“However, as our cities grow and our economy expands, our approach to road safety, traffic flow, and urban mobility demand innovative solutions. The digitalization of OYRTMA’s operations is a bold step forward in meeting these challenges head-on.
“This collaboration is not just about technology; it is about leveraging innovation to create safer roads, reduce travel times, and enhance the efficiency of our transportation network. We envision a system where data-driven insights enhance decision-making, digital tools streamline enforcement processes, and advanced communication platforms foster real-time coordination.
“Imagine a future where traffic violations are detected with precision, road users are educated through smart notifications, and emergency responses are deployed swiftly and effectively.
“Globacom, as a leading telecom operator in Nigeria and West Africa, brings Cutting-edge technologies such as lot sensors, Al-powered analytics, and robust Communication networks like 4G and 5G to make this vision a reality. The deployment of real-time traffic monitoring systems will improve traffic flow, reducing the stress and delays faced by road users daily.
“Advanced surveillance systems will enhance safety by enabling swift responses to accidents and incidents. Automated systems will minimize manual intervention, increasing the overall efficiency of OYRTMA operations.
“While technology lays the foundation, the success of this initiative depends on all of us-government agencies, private sector partners, and citizens. I urge everyone to embrace this transformation, comply with traffic regulations, and actively support efforts to digitize and optimize our traffic management systems.
“Let me reiterate the commitment of the administration of His Excellency, Engineer Seyi Makinde, to fostering innovation and partnerships that propel Oyo State into the future. With this collaboration, we are not just solving today’s challenges; we are building a legacy for generations to come,” Makinde said.
Earlier in his welcome address, Colonel Adesagba Adekoya (rtd.), said the collaboration was to enhance road safety, optimize traffic flow, and improve the experience of every road user in the state.
Adekoya explained that Globacom would provide essential operational equipment, including light and heavy- duty towing platforms and other key resources, apart from the digital infrastructure.
Also speaking on an address tagged “Roadmap to OYRTMA Digitalization: Internal Communication, Traffic Surveillance, Bandwidth Services and Provision of Operational Logistics” a representative from Globacom, Mr. Niyi Odejobi, the Zonal Director, expressed the company’s commitment to fostering development in the state through technology.
He expressed the company’s optimism that digitalizing traffic management in Oyo state would not only ease mobility but also boost economic activities by reducing delays caused by traffic bottlenecks, while enhancing road safety and security.
Different speakers who also gave goodwill messages, expressed optimism about the development will address longstanding issues of traffic management issues and improve the overall commuting experience.