GTP Roundtable Advocates $3 Billion Yearly Investment To Build  Sustainable Transport In Nigeria

By Roland Ekama

At the Global Transport Policy (GTP) Intermodal Transport System Annual Roundtable held today in Lagos, key industry leaders emphasized the urgent need for Nigeria to invest approximately $3 billion every year in transportation infrastructure to meet the country’s growing demand and foster economic development.

Dr. Oluwasegun Musa, Chairman and Chief Consultant of GTP and CEO of Widescope International Logistics Limited, highlighted that investing in sustainable transport infrastructure is critical not only for job creation but also for stimulating economic growth and improving the quality of life for Nigerians. He stressed that attracting significant investments would enhance sector efficiency, reduce costs, boost productivity, and increase Nigeria’s global competitiveness.

Musa, who also serves as Deputy President of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), underscored the importance of integrated and multimodal transport systems. “Connecting different modes of transportation such as road, rail, and waterways will create a seamless and efficient transportation network, reducing costs and improving overall economic competitiveness,” he said.

He further called on the Federal Government to demonstrate strong political will to address the numerous challenges facing the transport sector. Musa cited the World Bank’s findings that integrated transport systems can cut transportation costs by up to 30%, reinforcing the need for public-private partnerships (PPP) as a key strategy to build a sustainable transport network aligned with Nigeria’s national aspirations.

In his keynote address, Professor Aremu Jonathan, former Acting Vice Chancellor of Covenant University, criticized Nigeria’s current transport policies as lacking holistic vision. He noted that developed countries increasingly adopt multimodal transport systems under single contracts, which offer greater efficiency and flexibility compared to intermodal systems.

Professor Jonathan also pointed out that Nigeria stands to gain significantly from the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) if it embraces multimodal transportation, which would facilitate smoother trade and movement across the continent.

On the vision and smart planning essential for Nigeria’s rransport future, Dr. Fredrick Oladeinde, former Commissioner of Transportation for Lagos State and Principal Consultant at Fredrick Oladeinde Consultancy Services Limited, emphasized that the future of transportation hinges on vision rather than technology alone. He advocated for smart planning and sustained investment as the foundation for an effective and efficient transport system.

Highlighting that 26 Nigerian states already have access to water-based transport alternatives, Dr. Oladeinde called for integrating the informal sector into multimodal transport systems to reduce costs and accommodate the country’s rapidly expanding urban centers.

The 2025 GTP Intermodal Transport System Annual Roundtable, themed “Sustainable Transport System: Global Best Practices and Lessons for Nigeria,” brought together policymakers, industry experts, and stakeholders to discuss strategies for transforming Nigeria’s transport infrastructure into a sustainable and competitive system.

The roundtable signals a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s transport sector, with experts united on the need for bold investments, integrated transport solutions, and collaborative governance to unlock the country’s economic potential and improve citizens’ quality of life.