Developing the Niger Delta transport system using adequate Geo-spatial information

The Niger Delta Region, although the back bone of Nigerian economy, has been neglected by successive governments over time. There are no good schools, no health facilities, no water and other facilities within this area. The problem of the area is compounded by lack of good transportation system. This has been a hindrance both for security agencies and the people in the restive area. A good transportation system should ensure that people, goods and services move speedily, conveniently, safely and cost effectively. To have an efficient ground and water transportation system needed in this area requires adequate and accurate Geo-spatial information. In this paper, the benefits of adequate transportation system in the Niger Delta Region are highlighted. The roles of Geo-spatial data and Geo-spatial information system in the planning, development and management of an efficient transportation system are discussed, The paper also examines Geo-spatial Data infrastructure (GDI) in the development of the Niger Delta transportation sector Master plan, with data generated for Edo and Delta States presenting case study scenarios.