Nigeria lagging behind in efficient transport, says UN executive

Stakeholders have pointed out a failure in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) relating to transport in Nigeria, showing deep concern over the country’s lag in creating effective transport policies that align with SDG 11.2 which aims for safe, affordable and sustainable transport systems by 2030.

This was disclosed yesterday at the Global Transport Policy Yearly Roundtable and Bilingual Magazine Public Launch under the theme, ‘Transport Infrastructure and Strategic Policy Intervention: Building Blocks for Economic Growth’ in Lagos.

Participants described Nigeria as a “transport-poor nation,” lacking national airlines, ships and rail transport systems.

A member of the United Nations Committee on Trade and Transport Location and the keynote speaker at the event, Dr Alban Igwe, noted that the agenda was set decades ago while its execution has been marred by bureaucracy and a lack of clear policy direction.

Igwe said, “We thought we had arrived when our policy draft reached the presidency, but it stalled again,” adding the critical need for a robust national transport policy.

The absence of such a policy, he noted that it led to an economy where connectivity issues and safety concerns are rampant.

He said Nigeria cannot efficiently connect her major cities via public transport, let alone provide rail access to airports as seen in cities like London.

In his suggestion, Igwe proposed a solution involving a collaborative approach termed PPPP – public, private and professional partnership – saying leveraging expertise from various sectors could expedite the comprehensive policy formulation process within three months.

With the 2030 deadline fast approaching, Igwe disclosed the urgency of the matter, advised that Nigeria must act swiftly to overhaul its transport system..

Also, he warned that the Goldman Sachs prediction that Nigeria will rank 15th and 5th among the 25 largest economies by 2050 and 2075 respectively, with a gross domestic product (GDP) as high as $13.1 trillion will not materialize if urgent actions are not taken.

He further advised professionals and policymakers to take immediate steps towards developing a cohesive transport policy that could set the country on a path to achieving both its SDG commitments and its potential as a major player in the global economy.