Two Ministers in charge of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, and his counterpart in the Ministry of Transportation, Sa’idu Alkali, have defended President Bola Tinubu’s policies in the transport industry, saying the country is on the right path.
Oyetotola hinted that the National Marine and Blue Economy Policy aimed at reducing logistics costs, enhancing trade competitiveness, and unlocking private sector investment in Nigeria’s maritime and transport sectors.
Speaking at the 2025 Nigeria Transport Sector Annual Summit in Lagos on Wednesday, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, who was represented by Director of Maritime Services, Dr. Mercy Iloro, said the policy lays the groundwork for seamless integration across road, rail, barge, and pipeline networks.
“Our goal is to lower the cost of doing business, improve cargo turnaround times, and create a more attractive environment for private capital. This positions Nigeria as a logistics hub for West and Central Africa,” Iloro said.
She outlined key initiatives already in motion, including; Operationalisation of the Lagos–Ibadan Standard Gauge Rail line for cargo evacuation. Expansion of barge services at Lagos and Onne ports, Completion of the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway, and Commissioning of the 27km Lekki Port Access Road.
Oyetola also highlighted the development of inland dry ports in Ibadan, Kaduna, Kano, and Funtua as a strategy to decongest seaports and strengthen regional trade routes.
He emphasized the importance of collaboration between stakeholders including shipping lines, terminal operators, freight forwarders, investors, and regulators for the policy to succeed. He further called for the adoption of digital, green, and climate-resilient logistics solutions to keep Nigeria competitive in the global market.
Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Transportation, Sa’idu Alkali, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to transforming the country’s transport sector through massive infrastructure investment, manpower development, and policy reform.
The Minister who was represented by the Managing Director of the Nigeria Railway Corporation, Dr Kayode Opeifa, described ongoing efforts as “critical to unlocking the nation’s economic potential and driving inclusive growth.”
Opeifa who praised the President for championing far-reaching transport reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda, emphasised that the administration’s resolve is already reshaping Nigeria’s mobility landscape.
“The President has provided clear direction and commitment to making public transportation efficient, safe, integrated, and affordable. His administration’s policies are laying the foundation for a truly modern transport system,” Opeifa said.
He also mentioned key achievements, including the ongoing modernization of several rail corridors.
“Among them is the Port Harcourt-Maiduguri rail line, where the Port Harcourt to Aba segment has been completed and operationalized. The Kaduna–Kano and Kano–Maradi lines have also seen rapid progress, with execution levels now exceeding 50 per cent and 60 per cent, respectively from just 5 to 15 per cent at the start of the administration.
“At the pace we are going, the Kano–Maradi line will reach Katsina by December 2025 and be ready for full completion by March 2027,” the Minister disclosed.
Additionally, Opeifa revealed plans for a High-Speed Rail network connecting Lagos, Abuja, Kano, and Port Harcourt, a project he said would redefine long-distance travel in Nigeria.
