The contemporary world is gradually moving from the cumbersome and difficult analogue way of doing things to a more simplified digital system. Hence, the biggest travelling union in Nigeria; National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) has introduced a digitalized passengers manifest Scheme (PAMS).
The scheme which was launched last month in Lagos through a partnership with Blockchain Technology, and Universal Insurance Plc, the official insurer of all the passengers and drivers under the scheme is expected to take effect all over the country.
According to the president of the NURTW, Najeem Yasin, the Union cannot afford to continue using the analogue system of operations in a fast-moving digitalized world.
He disclosed that from August 2019 all passenger vehicles under NURTW would commence the use of its unified and secured digital manifest nationwide.
Najeem added that the introduction of the scheme is to ensure drivers and passengers’ information are digitally captured and uploaded on a new system.
He described the new scheme as part of the efforts to ensure full compliance of its members with the road traffic regulations.
He added that NURTW desire to ensure a uniform manifest scheme for our members and passengers, especially inter-state operators.
The initiative according to him, started 10 years ago to ensure the migration from the current passenger manifest to a more robust, innovative and efficient system.
Also, the CEO of BlackBlock Limited, Ukeme Okuku grace the scheme’s official flag-off ceremony in Lagos, and he disclosed commitment of his company In conjunction with Wifisoft Technologies to provide 200 customised mobile devices to the NURTW to deploy in its motor parks as part of the digitalisation process of its new manifest scheme.
More so, the CEO of Universal Insurance Plc, the official insurance company of PAMS, stated that the company would do everything within its powers to support the scheme as well as ensure prompt settlement of claims.
He added that the partnership with the NURTW will go a long way in improving insurance awareness and penetration in the country as well as boost public confidence in the industry through a prompt settlement of insurance claims.
Most importantly, the PAMS initiative was designed to ensure that passengers travelling by road in Nigeria have their names authenticated in the Union’s digital manifest and are covered with a genuine insurance policy which the company provides.
In line with the new digitally innovated PAM scheme, passengers or their relatives stand to benefit from the insurance in case of an accident, permanent damage or even death.