EXPERTS BLAME LACK OF POLITICAL WILL FOR NIGERIA’S POOR TRANSPORT INTEGRATION

Transport and logistics experts have blamed a lack of political will and poor policy implementation for Nigeria’s failure to develop an efficient, integrated transport system capable of supporting economic growth and improving the movement of people and goods.

The experts said the country had the necessary knowledge, human resources and policy frameworks to build a modern transport network but had struggled to translate plans into tangible results because of inconsistent government commitment and weak coordination among relevant authorities.

They made the observations during discussions on the challenges facing Nigeria’s transport sector, highlighting the need for stronger collaboration among federal, state and local governments to improve connectivity across road, rail, air and maritime transportation.

According to the experts, Nigeria’s transport challenges extend beyond inadequate infrastructure to include poor coordination between existing transport modes. They argued that an effective system should allow commuters and businesses to move seamlessly between different forms of transportation, reducing delays, lowering costs and improving productivity.

They also criticised the tendency of successive administrations to introduce new policies without fully implementing existing ones. The experts maintained that sustained commitment to established plans would deliver better results than repeatedly launching initiatives that are abandoned or poorly executed.

The consequences of poor transport integration are evident in persistent traffic congestion, high logistics costs, delays in the movement of goods and difficulties connecting commercial centres with ports and industrial areas. These challenges increase the cost of doing business and place additional financial pressure on consumers.

The experts further stressed that Nigeria could learn from successful transport systems in other countries while adapting proven ideas to local conditions. They urged policymakers to make greater use of local expertise and ensure that transport projects are planned around the actual needs of commuters, businesses and communities.

They also called for improved investment in public transportation, stronger regulatory oversight and the development of infrastructure that connects major economic centres. According to them, integrating transport services would improve access to employment, support trade and strengthen the country's competitiveness.

For Nigeria to achieve meaningful progress, the experts said government policies must be backed by adequate funding, clear implementation timelines and measurable performance targets. They emphasised that political leaders must demonstrate the commitment required to sustain projects beyond individual administrations.

They maintained that a well-integrated transport system could significantly improve economic activity and quality of life, but warned that without consistent implementation and coordination, the country would continue to struggle with avoidable transportation inefficiencies.