Rivers State University (RSU), Nkpolu-Port Harcourt, has launched the African Fleet Management Forum, marking a significant step toward advancing safer and more sustainable transport systems across the continent.
The initiative was inaugurated during the 3rd International Conference on Green and Safe Transport, organised by the Institute of Geosciences and Environmental Management (IGEM) in collaboration with United Nations Institute for Training and Research-CIFAL.
Vice-Chancellor of RSU, Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi, disclosed that the forum’s secretariat has been established within the university, fulfilling an earlier commitment to UNITAR. He said the move underscores the institution’s ambition to become a continental hub for research and policy development in fleet safety, disaster risk reduction and transport sustainability.
Zeb-Obipi also revealed plans to establish a Blue and Maritime Economy Centre, pending approval by the university senate.
The conference, themed “Green and Safe Transport: Integrated Fleet Disaster Risk and Sustainability Management,” drew participants from academia, government and industry, all stressing the urgency of improving mobility systems, particularly in Nigeria’s riverine communities.
Chairman of the occasion and former RSU Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Blessing Chimezie Didia, emphasised that universities should be assessed by their intellectual contributions, noting that international conferences enhance institutional relevance and global visibility.
Representing Bayelsa State Governor, Sen. Douye Diri, the Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Faith Izibenua Zibs-Godwin, highlighted the critical role of water transport in riverine areas. She noted ongoing investments in maritime infrastructure, including seaports, to stimulate economic growth and improve connectivity.
However, she cautioned that infrastructure alone is insufficient, stressing the need for improved safety standards and stronger collaboration with international partners.
RSU Pro-Chancellor, Okey Wali, called for research that delivers practical societal impact, commending UNITAR’s partnership and declaring the conference open.
In his keynote address, Sunday Akuru of the World Food Programme underscored the strategic importance of maritime transport, which accounts for 80 to 90 per cent of global trade. He noted that despite Nigeria’s vast coastal and inland water resources, the sector remains underutilised due to weak infrastructure, poor regulatory enforcement and fragmented institutional coordination.
Akuru advocated a shift toward integrated and technology-driven transport systems, including real-time monitoring and structured risk management frameworks. He also warned against environmental degradation, particularly marine pollution, which threatens long-term economic benefits.
Logistics expert, Dr. Rita Owase, described fleet operations as the backbone of economic activity, stressing that safety must remain paramount. She highlighted the United Nations’ zero-tolerance stance on safety, including vehicle standards, driver training and compliance with operational regulations.
Director of IGEM, Prof. Akuro Gobo, noted that the institute was among the first organisations in Nigeria to host a conference on fleet safety in partnership with UNITAR-CIFAL, targeting operators across air, land and sea transport systems.
Goodwill messages from stakeholders reinforced the need for actionable outcomes. Registrar of the Institute of Humanitarian Studies and Social Development, Dr. Prince Origa, urged participants to translate deliberations into concrete policies, particularly in relation to security and fleet management.
Similarly, the Marine Equipment Owners/Leasing Association of Nigeria described the conference theme as timely, expressing optimism that discussions would yield practical solutions for the maritime sector.
Managing Director of Rivers State Waste Management Agency, Dr. Ibimina Wokoma, highlighted marine pollution—especially plastic waste—as a growing global challenge, urging proper waste disposal to protect aquatic ecosystems and livelihoods.
In her closing remarks, Director of UNITAR-CIFAL Nigeria, Mrs. Ihuoma Njemanze, described fleet safety and sustainability as a largely underexplored but critical sector.
The conference continues with technical sessions focusing on integrated fleet disaster risk management, maritime safety, environmental sustainability and policy innovation, with participants seeking practical frameworks to transform transport systems in Nigeria and across Africa.
By Victoria Michael
