The Nigeria Transport Infrastructure Summit 2025 in Lagos has brought together top industry leaders, policymakers, and logistics experts to chart a new course for the modernization of Nigeria’s freight forwarding sector.
The event, chaired by Mr. Fola Tinubu, Managing Director of Primero Transport Services Limited, featured a compelling paper presentation by Dr. Oluwasegun Musa, Chairman and Chief Consultant of Widescope International Group.
A key highlight was a panel session featuring leading transport professionals, including Capt. Samuel Caulcrick, Dr. Alex Nwuba, President of AOPAN; Group Capt. John Ojikutu (Rtd); Mrs. Gloria Anyasodo, Director of Cabotage, NIMASA; Mrs. Pearl Ngwama, Convener; Mrs. Chizoba Anyika, National Publicity Secretary, CIoTA; Prof. Bamidele Badejo, Keynote Speaker; Mr. Benedict Oluwafemi, representing Capt. Ado Sanusi; and Dr. Femi Aiyegbajeje.
Speaking on the theme “Modernizing Freight Forwarding Infrastructure: Driving Sustainable Transport Logistics and Trade Facilitation in Nigeria,” Dr. Musa emphasized that transforming the sector is vital to national economic growth and trade competitiveness.
He cited inefficiencies that cost Nigeria up to $8 billion annually, according to the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), with over 60% of freight still relying on overstretched road networks. Nigeria’s 88th position on the World Bank’s 2023 Logistics Performance Index, he said, underscores the need for urgent reforms.
Highlighting emerging progress, Dr. Musa pointed to the Lekki Deep Sea Port, commissioned in 2023, which handles 2.7 million TEUs annually, easing Apapa’s congestion and driving multimodal connectivity through rail and road linkages.
He noted that the revival of the Lagos–Kano and Kano–Maradi rail lines has opened new trade routes and reduced pressure on roads, with rail cargo volumes rising 132% since 2018. Shifting freight from road to rail, he added, could cut carbon emissions by up to 76%.
Dr. Musa identified digital transformation as the backbone of modern logistics, revealing that over 61% of logistics workers now use digital tools such as GPS and IoT for real-time tracking and efficiency. Automation, he added, is reshaping customs processes, while data analytics is improving route optimization and risk management.
On sustainability, he urged greater adoption of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and green logistics practices such as renewable energy, eco-friendly packaging, and smart warehousing.
He added that despite challenges in technology costs, skills development, and regulation, collaboration between the public and private sectors remains crucial.
With sustained investment, innovation, and environmental commitment, Dr. Musa said, Nigeria can build a resilient, efficient, and globally competitive logistics ecosystem.
