The Chief Executive Officer of Truck Transit Park Limited, Jamal Onwubuariri, has mentioned that the facilities and technological systems in Nigerian ports and border checkpoints are still inadequate to manage the present level of goods movement throughout the nation.
Onwubuariri shared this insight at the 2025 Transport Summit hosted by the Transport Correspondents Association of Nigeria, which took place in Lagos over the weekend.
While presenting a message of goodwill at the event, the TTP leader highlighted that Nigeria and the West African sub-region are facing significant infrastructure shortages, especially in road systems and port infrastructure.
He stated, “In July, I embarked on a 6,000-kilometre journey from Nigeria to Liberia to gain insight into the condition of our road transportation systems, the obstacles faced, and the potential for improvement. There are substantial infrastructure deficiencies. The roads we currently have, both in Nigeria and throughout West Africa, are insufficient to handle the level of road traffic we encounter.”
Emphasizing particular issues at the country’s ports, Onwubuariri pointed out that “Our ports, regarding infrastructure and technology implementation, are not adequate for the amount of cargo arriving in this region. This creates significant challenges for trade and logistics effectiveness.”
He also highlighted the delays at border checkpoints as a significant challenge for truck drivers and logistics companies.
“I observed Nigerian drivers who journey from Sokoto, transporting goods like tomatoes, yams, or onions to ports in Tema or Abidjan. These drivers frequently spend two to three weeks traveling, encountering delays and insufficient infrastructure,” he mentioned.
As stated by Onwubuariri, these circumstances have significant effects on the health of drivers and the effectiveness of trade.
“They are unable to spend meaningful time with their families, and there are no suitable places for them to rest and recover during extended trips,” he stated.
Although there are difficulties, the TTP MD thinks there are significant chances for technology to revolutionize the industry. He highlighted the importance of private sector involvement in delivering creative solutions.
Companies in the technology sector, such as ours, can support the government by implementing solutions at border checkpoints and ports to facilitate the flow of goods and individuals. However, we need to increase our investment in infrastructure. The government cannot bear this burden alone.
“Many funds are circulating, both officially and unofficially, that private enterprises can direct towards infrastructure, rest areas, and technological implementation to boost commerce and draw in investments,” Onwubuariri further noted.
Nevertheless, specialists at the gathering emphasized the vital importance of creativity and environmental responsibility in advancing the transportation sector.
At the event, Michael Oluwagbemi, the Programme Director of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas, stated that for Nigeria to drive economic development, its transportation networks must be not only efficient but also eco-friendly, cost-effective, and prepared for the future.
Oluwagbemi, represented by Mrs. Ugonna Onyemelukwe, stated that with effective transportation and logistics, businesses would flourish, farm products would be delivered to markets, and individuals would remain connected.
“This is where the Presidential CNG Initiative steps in, aiming to speed up Nigeria’s shift from petrol and diesel to CNG, offering Nigerians, particularly those involved in transport and logistics, more affordable, environmentally friendly, and secure energy options,” he stated.
He highlighted that CNG plays a crucial role in the transportation industry due to its cost-saving benefits, reduction of environmental impact in logistics activities, and enhancement of Nigeria’s energy security.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
