By Seun Ibiyemi
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s transport and logistics ecosystem, describing efficient transportation and supply chain infrastructure as critical to achieving the country’s ambition of building a $1 trillion economy by 2030.
The Technical Adviser to the Vice President on Transportation, Logistics and Innovation, Dr. Segun Obayendo, made this known while speaking virtually at the 2026 Ningbo–Africa Trade & Logistics Cooperation Forum held in Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, China.
He said the Tinubu administration is implementing policies and strategic partnerships aimed at modernising transport infrastructure, improving logistics efficiency and positioning Nigeria as West Africa’s leading logistics and distribution hub.
According to Obayendo, the Renewed Hope Agenda places infrastructure development, trade facilitation, investment promotion and economic competitiveness at the centre of the administration’s economic reforms.
“Nigeria’s aspiration to build a one-trillion-dollar economy will depend not only on what we produce but also on how efficiently we move people, goods and services.
Modern transport infrastructure, resilient supply chains and efficient logistics systems are fundamental to attracting investment, expanding trade and driving sustainable economic growth,” he said.
The presidential aide noted that Nigeria’s strategic location, vast natural resources, expanding consumer market and participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) provide a strong platform for regional economic leadership.
He, however, stressed that unlocking these opportunities requires sustained investments in multimodal transport infrastructure, modern ports, digital logistics platforms and integrated supply chain networks.
Obayendo also described China’s zero-tariff policy for exports from African countries as a major opportunity for Nigeria to increase exports, strengthen local manufacturing, attract investments and deepen its participation in global value chains.
“China’s zero-tariff initiative presents a strategic opportunity for Nigeria and the wider African continent. By strengthening our logistics capacity and improving trade facilitation, we can expand exports, attract manufacturing investments and position Nigerian businesses to compete more effectively in international markets,” he stated.
He called for deeper Nigeria-China cooperation beyond trade, urging both countries to collaborate on technology transfer, industrial development, infrastructure investment, skills development and innovation capable of creating sustainable jobs.
The Technical Adviser further highlighted the importance of integrated logistics corridors linking seaports, inland dry ports, rail lines, highways and warehousing facilities, noting that efficient cargo movement is essential for reducing business costs, improving export competitiveness and boosting regional trade under the AfCFTA.
Commending the organisers—the Pan-African Institute for Supply Chain Innovation (PAISCI), the Ningbo China Institute for Supply Chain Innovation (NISCI) and China-base Group—Obayendo described the forum as a practical platform for translating policy dialogue into tangible economic outcomes.
He also welcomed strategic agreements reached during the event, including a proposed partnership on port development and logistics infrastructure between GK&A Logistics Services Limited and China-base Ningbo Foreign Trade Co., Ltd., describing it as a significant step toward strengthening Nigeria’s logistics capacity and bilateral economic cooperation.
“Transport and logistics are no longer merely support services; they are strategic economic assets.
Countries that invest in efficient logistics systems become more competitive, attract greater investment, create quality jobs and unlock new opportunities for sustainable development.
That is the direction Nigeria is pursuing through strategic partnerships such as this,” Obayendo said.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to policies that promote efficient transportation systems, logistics innovation, trade facilitation and sustainable industrial development.
Obayendo expressed optimism that the outcomes of the Ningbo Forum would deepen Nigeria-China economic cooperation, attract greater private sector investment and enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global trading system.
He also urged governments, development partners, financial institutions and private sector players to sustain collaboration in implementing agreements reached at the forum to maximise their long-term economic benefits.
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