Nigeria Accelerates Towards Sustainable Transportation Amidst Issues.

Lagos, Nigeria – Nigeria is making significant strides towards sustainable transportation, a key focus at the 11th Nigeria Transport Lecture (NTL) held in Lagos on Thursday, June 19, 2025. Organized by Transport Day Media, the event gathered public and private sector stakeholders to deliberate on the future of Nigeria’s transport and logistics sector.

Centered on “Sustainable Transportation in Nigeria: Prospects & Issues,” the lecture highlighted the nation’s ongoing commitment to modernizing and “greening” its transportation networks, aligning with broader national initiatives.

Addressing Decades of Road Dominance

For decades, Nigeria has heavily relied on road transport, which currently accounts for 80-90% of all movement. This over-reliance stemmed partly from the neglect of the rail system for 60 years post-independence. However, this trend is changing. Lagos, a pioneer in urban transport planning with a master plan from the 1960s, has notably developed its Blue and Red rail lines. Abuja also led the way as the first federal capital with a mass transit system and a unique pedestrian pathway network to encourage non-motorized travel.

Policy Shifts and Unprecedented Rail Investment

Recent government policies are creating a more favorable environment for sustainable transport. The removal of fuel subsidies and the harmonization of the Naira exchange rate are freeing up crucial funds for investment. Furthermore, moving railway from the exclusive to the concurrent legislative list is a strategic step to facilitate sustainable mobility.

The current administration is making unprecedented investments in rail infrastructure, with ambitious plans to connect national, regional, and state rail master plans. This aims to significantly reduce travel times and foster transit-oriented development across the country.

A major step towards sustainable energy in transportation is the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI). This initiative includes converting diesel engines to operate on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).

Persistent Challenges Remain

Despite these promising developments, significant hurdles persist. Infrastructural deficiencies, such as a lack of electric vehicle charging points and poor road quality, continue to impede progress. Security concerns, particularly railway attacks, deter public use of mass transit. Operational challenges and pricing issues further complicate the landscape.

Experts at the lecture also emphasized the importance of adhering to sustainable transport plans, pointing out the disruptions caused by the re-introduction of motorcycles (Okada) and tricycles into mass transit programs. Decarbonization efforts, especially through wider adoption of mass transit buses, were highlighted as crucial for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Railway: A Catalyst for Nigeria’s Sustainable Future

A key focus of the lecture was the immense potential of Nigeria’s railway system to drive the nation’s development and sustainability goals. The Dr. Isiak Kayode Opeifa, Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation detailed ambitious plans and achievements.

Key Advantages and Opportunities:

• Reduced Travel Time and Emissions: Completing long-abandoned railway projects, some over 40 years old, is expected to drastically cut travel times nationwide while simultaneously lowering gas emissions. This will enhance efficiency and promote environmental responsibility.
• Transit-Oriented Development: New railway lines are set to stimulate economic growth and urban expansion in multiple states through transit-oriented development along their routes. This integrated approach will create new opportunities for businesses and communities.
• Massive Investment: The current administration has signaled an unprecedented commitment to the rail sector, planning substantial investments in the next two years. This investment is projected to surpass the combined spending of previous governments over the past six decades, underscoring strong political will for railway transformation.
• Integration with Master Plans: Efforts are underway to seamlessly connect state, national, and regional rail master plans, aiming for a comprehensive and cohesive transportation system across Nigeria. This strategic integration will optimize connectivity and facilitate smooth movement of goods and people.
• Transition to Sustainable Energy: In a significant move towards sustainability, the Nigerian Railway is partnering with the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI) to convert diesel engines and generators to CNG. A successful proof of concept shows trains can efficiently run on a blend of 70% CNG and 30% diesel, potentially cutting operating costs by an impressive 70%. Additionally, plans are in motion to install solar panels on rooftops, further reducing expenses and bolstering environmental credentials.

The commitment to completing existing projects, coupled with substantial new investments and a clear roadmap for sustainable energy transition, positions Nigeria’s railway system for a transformative era. These developments promise improved connectivity, economic benefits, and a significant step towards a greener and more sustainable transportation future for the nation.

The 11th Nigeria Transport Lecture provided a comprehensive overview of the nation’s journey towards a more sustainable and efficient transportation system, acknowledging both the progress made and the hurdles that lie ahead.