Two prominent members of the cabinet have passionately defended President Bola Tinubu’s initiatives within the transport and maritime arenas, asserting that the current administration is skillfully steering Nigeria towards an era of economical, secure, and cohesive mobility.
During their address at the 2025 Nigeria Transport Sector Annual Summit held in the vibrant city of Lagos on Wednesday, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, alongside the Minister of Transportation, Sa’idu Alkali, delineated significant achievements and ongoing reforms aimed at establishing Nigeria as a pivotal regional logistics hub.
Representing Oyetola, the Director of Maritime Services at the Ministry, Dr. Mercy Iloro, elucidated that the National Marine and Blue Economy Policy is instrumental to the government’s strategy of diminishing logistics expenses, bolstering trade competitiveness, and unlocking greater private sector engagement.
“Our objective is to reduce the cost of conducting business, enhance cargo turnaround times, and cultivate a more alluring environment for private investment. This positions Nigeria as a logistics nexus for West and Central Africa,” Iloro stated.
She accentuated crucial initiatives currently being implemented, such as: the operational launch of the Lagos–Ibadan Standard Gauge Rail line for efficient cargo evacuation; the enhancement of barge services at both Lagos and Onne ports; the completion of the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway; and the inauguration of the 27km Lekki Port Access Road.
Oyetola further emphasized that the establishment of inland dry ports in Ibadan, Kaduna, Kano, and Funtua aims to alleviate congestion at Nigeria’s seaports while fortifying regional trade networks.
He highlighted the necessity of collaboration among shipping companies, terminal operators, freight forwarders, regulators, and investors. According to him, only through such alliances can the complete benefits of the policy be fully realized. The minister also urged the adoption of digital, eco-friendly, and climate-resilient logistics solutions, emphasizing that competitiveness in the global maritime arena will increasingly hinge on sustainability and innovation.
For his part, Minister of Transportation Sa’idu Alkali, who was represented at the event by Dr. Kayode Opeifa, the Managing Director of the Nigeria Railway Corporation, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s dedication to cultivating a modern and inclusive transport sector.
In related developments, Opeifa characterized the current reforms as “crucial for unleashing Nigeria’s economic potential and propelling inclusive growth.” He remarked that Tinubu’s leadership under the Renewed Hope Agenda has delivered clarity and consistency, ensuring that reforms translate into tangible advancements.
“The President has rendered clear guidance and commitment to rendering public transportation efficient, safe, integrated, and affordable. His administration’s policies are laying the groundwork for a genuinely modern transportation system,” he affirmed.
Opeifa applauded the momentum of ongoing rail projects, particularly the Port Harcourt–Maiduguri corridor, where the Port Harcourt to Aba segment has been successfully completed and is now operational.
He disclosed that other corridors are similarly progressing swiftly, noting that the Kaduna–Kano line has achieved over 50 percent completion, while the Kano–Maradi line has exceeded 60 percent execution.
