President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is committed to transforming Nigeria’s transport and logistics landscape through strategic investments, sound policy reforms, and innovative approaches aimed at turning challenges into opportunities for national growth.
The Minister of Transportation, Senator Said Ahmed Alkali, reaffirmed this commitment while delivering his keynote address at the Nigeria Transport and Logistics Leadership Summit 2025, held at the Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja.
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Senator Alkali stated that tangible progress is being recorded across key subsectors including rail, road, pipeline transportation, and logistics innovation to deliver efficient, safe, and sustainable services in line with international best practices.
He revealed that major rail infrastructure projects, such as the 284-kilometre Kano–Katsina–Maradi Standard Gauge Rail Project and the Kaduna–Kano Rail Line, are nearing completion.
“The Federal Executive Council’s recent approval of $3 billion for the completion of the Eastern Rail Project marks a monumental step toward unlocking a vital artery of our national economy,”
On pipeline transport modernization, Sen. Alkali disclosed that Nigeria is upgrading its national pipeline network to ensure efficient oil and gas transportation under the broader rail modernization plan.
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He explained that the initiative will strengthen energy security, reduce reliance on road haulage, and promote environmental sustainability by cutting carbon emissions from heavy-duty trucks.
Highlighting the role of innovation and technology, the Minister cited the successful test flight of drones developed by engineers at the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology (NITT), Zaria, as a landmark milestone in indigenous innovation.
“The future we are building is both smart and home-grown,”
Senator Alkali stressed that the government cannot achieve the transformation agenda alone. He called for stronger public-private partnerships, collaboration with emerging technology hubs, and synergy among stakeholders to scale innovation and sustain impact.
“Let us unite in purpose and determination to build a transport and logistics system that serves every Nigerian from urban centres to rural communities,”
Declaring the conference open, the Minister commended the Nigeria Transport and Logistics Leadership Summit for fostering meaningful dialogue and partnership across the sector.
In his welcome address, Dr. Bayero Salih Farah, Director-General/Chief Executive of NITT, said the summit provided a timely platform for policymakers, researchers, investors, and industry leaders to reflect on the sector’s progress and chart a sustainable path forward.
He emphasized the urgent need for a National Integrated Transport Masterplan anchored on sustainability, human capital development, and innovation.
According to him, such a plan phased in implementation and backed by robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms will reduce inefficiencies, lower costs, generate jobs, and enhance Nigeria’s global competitiveness.