By Umar Usman (Chief Information and Communications Officer)
The Federal University of Transportation, Daura (FUTD) has unveiled one of its research projects themed, “Historical Dynamics of Trans-Saharan Trade and their Relevance to Contemporary African Development”.
The official unveiling took place on Monday, 19th October, 2026, during an International Exit Conference for the research project held at the TETFund Auditorium, TETFund Headquarters, Maitama, Abuja.
Delivering an address, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Hon. Prof. Umar Adam Katsayal, mni, said that the conference marked the culmination of an important research endeavour that had explored one of Africa’s most significant historical institutions, the Trans-Saharan Trade network.
He said that the findings of the research reminded us that Africa’s history is rich with examples of interconnectedness, entrepreneurship, mobility, and regional cooperation.
“Long before the emergence of contemporary globalisation, African societies developed sophisticated trade systems that linked communities, facilitated economic growth, and fostered mutual prosperity.
“Understanding these historical experiences offers valuable insights for policymakers, scholars, and development practitioners seeking sustainable pathways for Africa’s future.
“As a University dedicated to transportation education, research, and innovation, FUTD finds particular significance in the study as transportation networks have always been the arteries of economic development.
“The historical Trans-Saharan routes demonstrates how efficient movement of people, goods, and ideas can stimulate commerce, strengthen regional integration, and promote social transformation.
“These lessons remain relevant today as African nations invest in modern transport infrastructure, regional corridors, railway systems, and logistics networks under frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)”, the Vice-Chancellor said.
He said that for researchers, particularly the young academics, the idea behind the initiative was to provide ideas for sustainable research and developmental career, thereby building formidable networks in transportation education, research, and innovation locally and internationally.
While encouraging the dissemination of the findings beyond academic cycle, Prof. Katsayal commended the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) for its unwavering commitment to advancing research, innovation, and knowledge production in Nigeria’s higher education sector.
He particularly commended the fund for sponsoring the project in its entirety, and also the principal investigators, researchers, collaborating institutions, and all stakeholders who have contributed to the successful completion of the project.
Earlier, the Lead Researcher while delivering a welcome remarks and conference objectives overview, Prof. Yakubu A. Ocheifu said that the conference has four objectives which included to present the findings of the research for scrutiny and to subject them to the judgement of scholars and practitioners beyond their team.
“Second, to translate research into policy. That is why our partner panel brings together TETFund, the Federal Ministry of Transportation, the ECOWAS Secretariat, AUDA NEPAD, CBAAC, the Historical Society of Nigeria, and our university partners in Maiduguri at the same table. Third, to build a network across the Sahara, because a corridor that crosses borders can not be studied or managed from one side alone.
“Fourth, to agree on next steps, who will take each recommendation forward, and how we will know whether it has worked.
“The programme is built around these objectives: the keynote lecture; the documentary screening; three concurrent tracks on historical economic analysis; contemporary policy applications, and infrastructure and development; the partner panel and fireside chat; the unveiling of our outputs, and a closing plenary on future directions”, he further said.
He then appreciated the TETFund, the Federal Ministry of Transportation, the team members as well as the University Management for supporting the execution of the project.
On his own part, the National President, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), advocated for structured public-private partnerships, innovative financing mechanism, development finance, investment guarantees and collaboration among governments, the organised private sector, development partners and financial project preparation.
He then welcomed collaboration with the Federal University of Transportation, Daura, hoping that the outcomes of the conference would complement the engagements of NACCIMA and contribute towards developing sustainable, competitive and integrated African trade corridors.
He finally congratulated the University, TETFund, the organisers and all participants for successfully organising and executing the conference.