TTP calls for more deployment of Infrastructure and Technology at the Ports and border posts

By Afolabi Oyekunle.

The Managing Director of Truck Transit Park Limited (TTP) Jamal Onwubuariri says  the infrastructure and technology deployment at Nigerian ports and border posts are still not sufficient for the volume of cargoes that comes into the country.

Jamal stated this while speaking at the 2025 Transport Summit organized by the Transport Correspondents Association of Nigeria (TCAN) on the theme; Driving the Transport Logistics Value Chains for Economic Growth " held at Radisson Hotel, Ikeja Lagos last Wednesday. 

In his goodwill messsge at the summit, the TTP boss revealed that "In July, I took a 6000Km road trip from Nigeria to Liberia to see what our road transport infrastructure is like, the challenges and the opportunities. 

"We have infrastructure gaps, the roads we have, both here in Nigeria and across the West African region is not sufficient for the volume of road traffic. 

The second challenge is that our ports in terms of their infrastructure and technology deployment is not sufficient for the Volume of cargoes that comes into this region"

Onwubuariri also stated that apart from challenges of road and port infrastructure, delays at the borders is another challenge. 

"I saw Nigerian drivers who are driving from Sokoto, taking cargo to either Tema Port or Abidjan port, it could be Tomatoes or yams or onions, and they spend two to three weeks on the roads to deliver these cargoes and return. 

"What this means is that they don't spend quality areas with their families, they don't have rest areas where they can stop and rest the night.

"In terms of opportunities, technology companies like us can assist the government at borders posts and at ports, in order to put in place technological solutions that would enhance movement of goods and people.

"We need to invest more in infrastructure and our government alone cannot take it, there are lots of money floating around, both informally and formally ,that private companies can invest in infrastructures,  rest stops and even technology in order to drive trade and drive investments" he stated.

Meanwhile, Experts speaking at the Summit have emphasised the crucial role of innovation and sustainability in driving the transportation industry forward.

Some people at the Summit with  the MD of NRC Dr. Kayode Opeifa.

Speaking, the Programme Director  of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (Pi-CNG)  Mr Michael Oluwagbemi said to unlock economic growth, Nigeria must ensure its transport systems are not only effective but also sustainable, affordable, and future-ready.

Oluwagbemi represented by Mrs Ugonna Onyemelukwe, added that through efficient transport and logistics industries would  thrive,  agricultural produce reache markets, and people stay connected. 

MD. NRC Dr. Opeifa delivering the Transportation Minister address at the Summit.

``This is where the Presidential CNG Initiative comes in, to accelerate Nigeria’s transition from petrol and diesel to CNG, and provide Nigerians — especially those in the transport and logistics value chains with cheaper, cleaner, and safer energy alternatives,'' he said.

He pointed out that CNG was important for the transport sector because it saves cost, reduce environmental footprints of logistics operations, and harness Nigeria's energy security.

TCAN Chairman Tola Adenubi middle, MD NRC Dr. Kayode Opeifa on the right at the Summit 

He noted that Pi-CNG had begun rolling out conversion centers, training programmes, and fueling infrastructure nationwide. 

``We are working hand-in-hand with transport unions, private investors, and government agencies to ensure that buses, taxis, trucks, and even motorcycles can be powered by CNG.

``For Nigeria’s logistics value chain, this presents a historic opportunity. Imagine fleets of cargo trucks moving goods from our ports to inland cities on CNG,  cutting costs, reducing emissions, and improving competitiveness. 

``Imagine intermodal hubs where rail, road, and waterways converge, powered by clean energy solutions. This is not a distant dream; it is a future we are building together,'' he said.

       Panelists at the Summit

He called for collaboration among stakeholders, adding that together, Nigeria’s transport sector would be reshaped into a model of efficiency, resilience, and sustainability.

``As we deliberate today on intermodal cargo evacuation, waterway transportation codes, and a century of aviation, let us keep in mind that innovation and sustainability must underpin every solution. 

``Pi-CNG stands ready to work with you all to ensure that our transport and logistics systems truly drive economic growth for Nigeria,'' he said.

Also, Mr Segun Obayendo, Managing Director, Lagos Computerised Vehicle Inspection Service (LACVIS), said  the summit theme underscored the need for efficiency, innovation, and sustainable practices that could  transform the transport and logistics value chain into a true driver of national economic prosperity.

According to Obayendo, represented by Mrs Abike Awojobi, Executive Director, Transport Agenda, Magazine, LACVIS mandate is to ensure safer roads through reliable and technology-driven vehicle inspections aligns with the summit’s objectives of strengthening the transport ecosystem. 

``We remain committed to working with industry players, regulators, and policymakers to enhance safety standards, promote professionalism, and foster growth in Nigeria’s transport and logistics sector,'' he said.