Nigeria behind in race for efficient transport, says UN executive

Stakeholders have highlighted significant failure in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) relating to transport in Nigeria, expressing deep concern over the country’s lag in creating effective transport policies that align with SDG 11.2 which aims for safe, affordable and sustainable transport systems by 2030.

These issues were addressed yesterday at the Global Transport Policy Yearly Roundtable and Bilingual Magazine Public Launch under the theme, ‘Transport Infrastructure and Strategic Policy Intervention: Building Blocks for Economic Growth’ in Lagos.

Participants described Nigeria as a “transport-poor nation,” lacking national airlines, ships and rail transport systems.

A member of the United Nations Committee on Trade and Transport Location and the keynote speaker at the event, Dr Alban Igwe, said the agenda was set decades ago while its execution has been marred by bureaucracy and a lack of clear policy direction.

“We thought we had arrived when our policy draft reached the presidency, but it stalled again,” Igwe recounted, emphasising the critical need for a robust national transport policy.

The absence of such a policy, he argued, has led to an economy where connectivity issues and safety concerns are rampant.

Igwe noted the absence of a national bus service and inadequate rail systems as indicators of this shortfall.

He remarked that Nigeria cannot efficiently connect her major cities via public transport, let alone provide rail access to airports as seen in cities like London.

Igwe proposed a solution involving a collaborative approach termed PPPP – public, private and professional partnership – suggesting that leveraging expertise from various sectors could expedite the comprehensive policy formulation process within three months.

With the 2030 deadline fast approaching, Igwe emphasised the urgency of the matter, pointing out that Nigeria must act swiftly to overhaul its transport system.

He called for a focus on sustainable and integrated transport policies, leveraging Nigeria’s geographical position to transform it into a global logistics hub.

He warned that the Goldman Sachs prediction that Nigeria will rank 15th and 5th among the 25 largest economies by 2050 and 2075 respectively, with a gross domestic product (GDP) as high as $13.1 trillion will not materialize if urgent actions are not taken.

He urged professionals and policymakers to take immediate steps towards developing a cohesive transport policy that could set the country on a path to achieving both its SDG commitments and its potential as a major player in the global economy.

The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said transportation infrastructure and strategic policy interventions are indispensable pillars in the edifice of economic growth.

Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, noted the undue pressure of freight movement on road infrastructure, leading to delays, accidents, and other transit problems.

He emphasised the need for a multi-modal transport system and massive infrastructure upgrades.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, represented by former Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Dr Frederic Oladeinde, highlighted the pivotal role of air, maritime and road transport in economic, social, and environmental development.

Keyamo praised the commencement of direct flights to London by Nigeria’s domestic carrier, Air Peace Airline, as a sign of the administration’s support for Nigerian entrepreneurs.