Industry experts and transport professionals have stressed the importance of deeper private sector participation in efforts to modernise Nigeria’s transportation system and enhance its contribution to national economic development.
The call was made on Thursday during a media briefing in Lagos organised by Global Transport Policy (GTP) ahead of its upcoming annual industry conference.
Speaking at the event, GTP Chairman, Dr Oluwasegun Musa, announced that the fourth edition of the organisation’s conference would take place on June 17 and would focus on strategies for achieving a more sustainable and efficient transport system.
According to Musa, government initiatives alone are insufficient to deliver the level of transformation required in the sector, making collaboration with private sector operators and other stakeholders essential.
The conference, titled “Transforming Nigeria’s Transport System: Integrating Solutions for Safety, Efficiency and Sustainability,” will bring together policymakers, academics, industry practitioners and development experts to discuss practical solutions for transportation challenges.
Musa explained that the event would examine key issues affecting the sector through three major thematic sessions led by experts with extensive experience in transport planning and management.
The first session, “Investment: Driving a Resilient Workforce,” will focus on developing human capital and strengthening institutional capacity within the transport industry.
The second session, “Seamless Mobility,” will explore strategies for integrating different modes of transportation to improve connectivity and support economic growth.
The third session, “Safe, Smart Mobility,” will examine innovative and environmentally sustainable transport solutions driven by technology and modern infrastructure.
Musa disclosed that ministers and senior government officials responsible for transport-related sectors were expected to participate in discussions aimed at shaping future policies and reforms.
He noted that more than 400 participants, including representatives from various media organisations, were expected at the conference, reflecting growing interest in transport sector development.
According to him, strict adherence to the conference schedule would be maintained, with proceedings commencing at 10 a.m.
Musa also revealed that the Governor of Lagos State had confirmed attendance as a special guest, a development he said would enrich discussions on the future of multimodal transportation in Nigeria.
He added that local government participation was being encouraged to ensure broader grassroots engagement in transport planning and policy implementation.
The GTP chairman emphasised that an effective transportation system requires strong coordination among local, state and federal authorities to achieve a comprehensive mobility framework.
He further advocated reducing the country’s heavy reliance on road transport by expanding the use of rail networks and inland waterways for cargo movement.
Also speaking, Prof. Iyiola Oni, Director of the Centre for Multimodal Transport Studies at the University of Lagos, called for a more integrated and structured approach to transport planning.
He observed that excessive dependence on road transportation had accelerated infrastructure deterioration despite significant government spending on road projects.
Oni recommended clearer institutional responsibilities and improved coordination among agencies overseeing rail, road, aviation and maritime transportation.
In his remarks, GTP Chief Operating Officer, Mr Mark Onuchi, said the conference would provide a platform for collaboration among stakeholders across the transport ecosystem to promote innovation and multimodal integration.
He added that recommendations and resolutions from the conference would be compiled into a communiqué to support government efforts in developing and implementing sustainable transport policies.
Participants expressed optimism that stronger collaboration between government institutions, private investors and industry stakeholders would accelerate reforms needed to build a safer, more efficient and economically beneficial transportation system for the country.