In November 2022, the Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Bureau of Statistics, released a Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) survey result, which puts 133 million Nigerians (63%) in different shades of poverty and deprivations. Whereas chief among factors responsible for the poor quality of life, especially in the rural areas, among older people, persons with disability, women, low-income earners and youths, is the skewed transportation architecture of Nigeria.
Transportation is a critical enabler of economic growth and development. Efficient transportation systems facilitate the movement of goods and people, stimulating economic activity and creating employment opportunities. A well-functioning transportation system reduces business costs by lowering transportation costs and improving supply chain efficiency. A reliable transportation system can also attract domestic and foreign investment by providing the necessary infrastructure to support economic activity.
Meanwhile, while a well-functioning transportation system can catalyze economic growth, Nigeria’s current transportation infrastructure needs a deliberate and holistic surgery. Therefore, the government must improve transportation infrastructure and address regulatory and enforcement challenges to facilitate economic growth and development.
Undoubtedly, the road transport system is the most used and is considered the backbone of transportation in an emerging economy like Nigeria. The road network in Nigeria is also in poor condition, with many roads in a state of disrepair, particularly in rural areas. While Nigeria’s transportation system is evolving and improving, there is still a need for more significant investment and improvement to meet the growing demand for safe, reliable, and efficient transportation services.
Notably, the importance of an efficient inter-state transportation system to the growth and sustainability of the local economy cannot be underestimated. There are several ways that the country could re-engineer its transportation system to connect its states better and improve mobility.
First, Nigeria needs a comprehensive national transportation plan that outlines the country’s transportation goals and objectives. The plan identifies critical transportation corridors and proposes projects to improve inter-state transportation. The plan should be developed with input from all stakeholders, including government agencies, the private sector, and civil society groups.
Second, Nigeria must invest in high-quality highways to handle heavy traffic and connect major cities and towns. This would require a significant investment in infrastructure. Still, it would ultimately lead to improved mobility, reduced travel times, and increased economic growth.
Third, Nigeria’s rail system has recently gained the federal government’s attention, but there is a need for upgrade and expansion to improve inter-state transportation. The government should consider investing in more sophisticated rail lines connecting major cities and towns nationwide and modernizing existing rail infrastructure to improve safety and efficiency.
Fourth, with the paucity of funds and current economic downtime, Nigeria’s private sector can significantly improve inter-state transportation. The government should create a favourable environment for private sector participation in transportation infrastructure development and operation. This could include providing tax incentives, streamlining the regulatory process, and building public-private partnerships.
In addition to improving inter-state transportation, Nigeria also needs to re-engineer its transportation landscape within each state to improve mobility and connect people to economic opportunities. Here are some ways to achieve a seamless intra-state transportation ecosystem:
Every state should develop an integrated transportation plan that outlines the state’s transportation goals and objectives, identifies critical transportation corridors, and proposes specific projects to improve intra-state transportation. The plan should be developed with input from all stakeholders, including government agencies, the private sector, and civil society groups.
States should invest in high-quality road infrastructure to improve connectivity between towns and cities. This could include building new roads, widening existing roads, and repairing damaged roads. The roads should be designed to handle heavy traffic and be accessible to all types of vehicles. States should promote using mass transit systems, such as buses and light rail, to reduce traffic congestion and improve mobility. The government could incentivize private sector operators to provide reliable and efficient mass transit services and invest in developing a state-run mass transit system.
Moreso, states should encourage active transportation, such as walking and cycling, to promote healthy living and reduce traffic congestion. This could include but is not limited to designing dedicated bike lanes and pedestrian walkways and promoting bike-sharing programs. Each state should prioritize transportation safety by enforcing traffic laws and regulations, investing in road safety infrastructure such as speed bumps and traffic signals, and improving emergency response services for road accidents.
Funding is critical to building, improving and maintaining an efficient transportation system. Building an effective funding mechanism for a 21st-century transportation system requires a comprehensive approach that considers the various modes of transportation and their unique challenges. Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), user fees, congestion pricing, taxation, grants and subsidies, value capture and carbon pricing are tested transportation funding windows worldwide.
Governments can partner with private companies to finance and operate transportation infrastructure projects. This approach can bring in private capital and expertise while sharing the risks and benefits of the project. At the same time, user fees are charges levied on users of a transportation system, such as tolls on highways, parking fees, and transit fares. These fees can fund the maintenance and expansion of the transportation infrastructure if well managed.
In the same vein, congestion pricing is a system where drivers are charged a fee for using certain roads or highways during peak travel times. This approach can reduce traffic congestion and encourage the use of public transportation. Meanwhile, governments at all levels can also raise revenue for transportation infrastructure through fuel taxes, vehicle registration fees, and sales taxes on motor vehicles. Governments can also provide grants and subsidies to support the development of transportation infrastructure and services, particularly in rural areas or for low-income communities.
Moreover, value capture is a mechanism where the increase in property values resulting from transportation infrastructure development is captured and used to fund the project. And carbon pricing is a system where polluters are charged for their emissions. The revenue generated can fund transportation infrastructure that reduces emissions, such as public transportation, bike lanes, and pedestrian walkways. Ultimately, building an effective funding mechanism for a 21st-century transportation system will require a mix of these approaches tailored to each community and region’s unique needs and circumstances.
In the final phase, the execution, maintenance, and sustenance of a transportation system and its allied units involve various activities and processes such as planning and design, construction, operation and maintenance, technology and innovation, and sustainability.
The first step in the execution of a transportation system is planning and design. This involves assessing the demand for transportation, identifying the routes, determining the modes of transportation, and designing the infrastructure necessary to support the system. The transportation system construction is next. This involves building roads, bridges, railways, airports, seaports, and other essential infrastructure. After constructing the transportation system, it needs to be operated and maintained. This involves managing traffic flow, repairing infrastructure, maintaining vehicles, and ensuring safety.
It should be noted that the transportation sector is constantly evolving, and staying up to date with the latest technology and innovations is essential. This can involve implementing new transportation modes, such as electric and autonomous vehicles, and utilizing data analytics to optimize transportation routes and operations. Also, the transportation sector is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, and it is crucial to promote sustainable transportation practices. This can involve promoting public transportation, encouraging cycling and walking, and investing in renewable energy sources.
Overall, the designing, funding, execution, maintenance, and sustenance of a transportation system and its allied units is a complex undertaking that requires careful planning, investment, and management. It is essential to comprehensively understand the various components involved and prioritize sustainability and innovation to ensure a safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible transportation system.

Ayodeji Arojo is the Chief Operating Officer of the Madison Metro Transit System in Wisconsin, USA. He’s listed among the top 100 Global Leaders in Transportation and Automotive Industry. E-mail: ayodejilara@yahoo.com