ITS PROFESSIONAL OF THE WEEK

Welcome to the 6th edition of ITS Nigeria Newsletter!

In this week's edition of ITS Professional of the Week, we will be featuring an ITS pioneer from ITS Nigeria, Desmond Amiegbebhor, PhD . We are so excited to share the experience of this hardworking individual who has made a significant impact in the ITS industry.

Biography of Desmond Amiegbebhor, PhD

A World Bank-certified Urban Transportation Leader with proven leadership skills and managerial experience to engage various stakeholders both in the private and public sectors with the aim of the delivery of state-wide public transportation projects. Holds a Ph.D. in Transportation Geography and is an alumnus of the 美国哈佛商学院 . He has conceived and implemented the most advanced modern intercity passenger transportation in West Africa. He is an urban mobility expert and operations specialist with over 27 years of planning, implementing, and management of urban-wide transportation initiatives. Under his leadership, the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) in Sub-Sahara Africa for a city of over 20 million people serving about 14,000 daily trips was delivered. The BRT initiative included the implementation of Intelligent Transport Systems for optimizing operations and delivering passenger information. Dr Desmond is a researcher and author of topical transportation issues in peer-reviewed international journals and has served as General Manager of a publicly quoted company in The Nigerian Stock Exchange . He was previously Director of Bus Systems at Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), Nigeria, and worked as a Senior Transit Planner, at VIA Metropolitan Transit , San Antonio, Texas, United States. He is currently a Transportation Researcher at Morgan State University .

What is your educational background?

Higher National Diploma- The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transportation CILT (UK) (Transportation and Logistics), MSc- Transportation Planning and Management Technology, and PhD- University of Nigeria, Nsukka (Transportation Geography).

What inspired you to pursue a career in the transportation industry?

My initial decision when I was in high school was to be a fire engineer. However, I could not get into the fire engineering department, so I switched to the transportation department through “divine intervention”.

I started working in the transportation industry in 1993 at Associated Bus Company ABC TRANSPORT PLC as General Transport Manager. I also worked at the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) and was the Senior Transit Planner at VIA Metropolitan Transit in Texas, US. I am currently a Transportation Researcher at Morgan State University in the Department of Civil Engineering specializing in Transportation.

What are some of the challenges you face in your role?

Starting in an industry that was dominated by untrained non-professionals who were lackadaisical towards management was a huge challenge. Also, while at ABC TRANSPORT PLC , we were working towards making a “reform” in the transportation sector and this was challenging. We were to start running ABC intercity buses to have a scheduled timing for the arrival and departure of the buses. All of these were not in existence at that time. Having to implement this new method of bus travel was met with resistance from superiors in the transportation sector who did not understand the concept.

Can you share any memorable experiences you have had in your role?

Having to make an impact in the intercity and urban transportation in Nigeria is one of my memorable experiences. When I look at where Nigeria is now, I am glad I was able to push a reform. Also, having to work with transportation leaders and professionals who understand the dynamics of transportation has been rewarding.

How do you balance the demands of your role with your personal life?

Delegation. I delegate roles to subordinates and this helps me to stay grounded.

How did you get started in the ITS industry?

While at ABC TRANSPORT PLC , technology was introduced into our roles to drive operational efficiency. My team and I then were the ones who started online booking for travel tickets and tracking of our buses/vehicles. That motivated me and ignited my interest in ITS! And then, I went on to work on BRT Buses at LAMATA where we delivered the 1st Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) in Sub-Sahara Africa with full ITS implementation. This was part of the Lagos Urban Transport Project.

Are there any projects you are currently involved with?

I am currently involved with a project in Edo State where we are deploying ITS. The State Government in Edo state is acquiring 50 CNG buses and 8 modules of ITS will be used to support operations (communication system, scheduling system, automatic vehicle collection system, fare collection system, etc.)

What do you enjoy most about working in the transportation/ITS industry?

I love the efficiency that ITS brings to drive operations in the industry. Then, there is the credibility, cost reduction, and management of crew when ITS is implemented in a project/process. I especially love how ITS has optimized road planning.

How do you stay up to date with the latest trends, developments, and advancements in the ITS industry?

I attend conferences and network to keep up to date with trends. I recently just attended the Transportation Research Board in Seattle, Washington. I would love to share this new development that they are trying to implement in the States. It is known as the Commercial Route Assistant (CRA). I believe this new development is very impressive and will make a lot of changes in the ITS industry.

What advice would you give to aspiring professionals looking to enter the ITS industry?

I want to encourage aspiring professionals, especially those in developing countries. I wish they continue to remain resilient in their career pursuits. They should continue exploring opportunities like attending ITS Conferences and participating in ITS-funded scholarships. One, for example, is the ITS fully funded scholarship by Optibus , an ITS company in the USA.?

What advice do you have for the Nigerian government in terms of the role of ITS in economic development?

The federal ministry of Transportation should include ITS in the National Transportation Policy. The Government should provide avenues for funding ITS projects. The Ministry of Science and Technology should promote the benefits of ITS and include it in its policy. So, Policy drives, and Funding are what the government should be focusing on if they want to see the role ITS will play in economic development.

How do you see the future of transportation in Nigeria evolving?

I will say the future is bright with the growing need for travel and mobility.

If you want to be featured in the ITS Professional of the Week whether as an aspiring professional or one who has been in the industry for years, fill out your responses in this Google Form. We are impressed by your dedication to the ITS and transportation industry and we believe that your story deserves to be shared with a wider audience.

We hope you enjoyed this 6th edition! We look forward to seeing you in our next edition. Have a lovely week!

ITS Nigeria Team