Due to Nigeria’s underdeveloped rail system, major businesses have resorted to using the highways which are more expensive, to transport goods and services across the country.
Highways connect major cities, ports, and commercial hubs, enabling the smooth transportation of goods.
These highways support the movement of agricultural produce, manufactured goods, and raw materials to markets, both locally and internationally. This connectivity boosts trade, generates revenue, and fosters economic growth.
Rail vs road transportation in Nigeria
Although rail transport should be a viable alternative, Nigeria’s rail system is underdeveloped, covering only a small portion of the country and making access cumbersome.
As of 2024, Nigeria’s railway network consists of 3,505 km of colonial-era narrow-gauge tracks and 669 km of modern standard-gauge tracks, serving a population of approximately 250 million people across a landmass of 923,770 km².
In contrast to Nigeria, Egypt boasts a more comprehensive railway network, spanning 6,700 km, despite having a slightly larger landmass (1,001,450 km²) and a significantly smaller population (107.8 million).
A recent survey by SBM Intelligence on road transportation in Nigeria revealed widespread dissatisfaction among drivers with the country’s road conditions.
Despite having the largest road network in West Africa, spanning 108,000 km of paved roads, the condition of these roads falls short of expectations.
The survey, which engaged 245 drivers across eight major commercial hubs, highlighted the need for improved road maintenance.
The table below reveals Nigeria’s most economically important highways according to the survey;
| Rank | Route |
|---|---|
|
1 |
Lagos-Ibadan |
|
2 |
Lagos-Onitsha |
|
3 |
Kano-Maiduguri |
|
4 |
Jos-Maiduguri |
|
5 |
Lagos-Abuja |
|
6 |
Onitsha-Owerri |
|
7 |
Jos-Kano |
|
8 |
Calabar-PH |
|
9 |
PH-Warri |
|
10 |
Jos-Abuja |
Interestingly, the survey noted that Nigeria’s highway network is deliberately designed to connect the southern coastal areas, with their major seaports, to the northern hinterlands, with their vast farmlands.
This strategic design facilitates the movement of goods and people between the two regions.
“This layout facilitates the movement of agricultural produce from the north to the ports and wealthier southern states, promoting economic integration between the historically distinct Northern and Southern regions.” the report noted.
The poor condition of these roads has severely impacted the transportation of goods and services, placing significant strain on key Nigerian industries such as petroleum and agriculture, which rely heavily on haulage to move products across the country.
