Kwara State Government has finalised plans to begin capturing data of transport operators for proper identification at designated points. The move is aimed at enhancing transparency, ensuring uniformity, and improving safety across the transport sector.

The State Commissioner for Transportation, Hon. Lafia Aliyu Korasabi, announced this during a consultative engagement with transport union leaders on Wednesday at the Ministry's headquarters in Ilorin.

Hon. Lafia emphasised that the data capture exercise would complement the state government's ongoing Kwara State Residential Registration Programme, adding that the initiative would fully integrate the transport sector into the scheme. He explained that the exercise would also aid policy planning, security, and improved service delivery.

The designated points for the enumeration exercise across the 16 Local Government Areas include: Union Head Office, Offa Garage, Maraba Garage, Saw-Mill Garage, and Oko-Olowo/Oloje Axis in Kwara Central; Offa Local Government Secretariat (Offa), Irepodun Local Government Secretariat (Omu-Aran), Oyun Local Government Secretariat (Ilemona), Isin Local Government Secretariat (Owu Isin), Oke-Ero Local Government Secretariat (Odo Owa), Ifelodun Local Government Secretariat (Share), and Ekiti Local Government Secretariat (Araromi Opin) in Kwara South; as well as Moro Local Government Secretariat (Bode-Saadu), Edu Local Government Secretariat (Lafiagi), Patigi Local Government Secretariat (Patigi), Kaiama Local Government Secretariat (Kaiama), and Baruten Local Government Secretariat (Kosubosu) in Kwara North.

The Commissioner stressed that the exercise, slated to commence on 22nd and 29th September, 2025, will be free of charge. He, therefore, called for the maximum cooperation of all transport union leaders and members to ensure a smooth and successful enumeration.

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transportation, Alhaji Salau Kabiru Abdullahi, appreciated the union leaders for their cooperation and responsiveness whenever they are invited for discussions. He further thanked them for their useful advice, which he noted has contributed immensely to the success of government initiatives.

"On behalf of the Ministry, I sincerely appreciate your continuous support and the way you promptly respond to our calls whenever your attention is needed. May Almighty Allah continue to guide and protect you," he added.

On their parts, the Chairman, Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Alhaji Abdulrahman Olayinka Onikijipa, and the Chairman, National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Alhaji Abdulrazaq Ariwoola, and their appealed to the government to prioritize the reconstruction of all government-owned motor parks across the State to meet modern standards. According to them, most of the existing parks are in deplorable conditions and no longer attractive to passengers, a situation which negatively affects their operations and patronage.

They, however, commended the Ministry of Transportation for always carrying stakeholders along before implementing new policies. The leaders expressed gratitude to the Ministry for consistently honouring and engaging them in decision-making processes, noting that such inclusiveness has greatly strengthened collaboration between them and the government.