Weak Transport Infrastructure Undermining AfCFTA Gains in Nigeria — NAGAFF

Nigeria’s quest to maximise the benefits of the African Continental Free Trade Area is being significantly hindered by weak transport infrastructure and policy inconsistencies, the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has said.

The National Deputy President, Air and Logistics of NAGAFF, Dr Segun Musa, who spoke during an engagement with maritime journalists in Lagos, noted that Nigeria lacks a viable and integrated transport system capable of supporting economic growth and regional trade ambitions.

According to Musa, while Nigeria has developed several economic policies and signed regional trade agreements, their impact has remained minimal due to the absence of strong transport systems to support them.

He explained that “no matter how sound an economic policy is, it cannot deliver meaningful results without an efficient transport system,” adding that the country’s participation in AfCFTA risks underperformance without urgent infrastructure improvements.

Musa expressed concern that despite the promise of AfCFTA to boost intra-African trade, Nigeria’s export performance under the agreement remains weak. He described the celebration of exporting “one or two containers” as insignificant for a country of Nigeria’s size, warning that inadequate production capacity and poor logistics could turn the nation into a dumping ground for foreign goods.

On road transport, he observed that the sector remains largely outdated and unable to cope with increasing population and vehicle numbers.

He stressed the need for modern transport management systems and greater engagement with commercial transport operators, whose practical experience, he said, is often overlooked by policymakers.

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The NAGAFF official also highlighted funding challenges in the rail sector, urging government to create an enabling environment for private sector participation to expand the national rail network.
He described Nigeria’s inland waterways as underutilised despite their vast economic potential, noting that proper development of water transport corridors would ease pressure on roads and improve logistics efficiency.

Speaking on urban mobility, Musa pointed to the Oshodi Interchange as a model for multimodal integration, where road, rail, and air transport systems can connect seamlessly. He said such infrastructure, common in cities like Dubai and Singapore, should ideally be driven by private sector investment.

On trade facilitation, Musa called for full automation of cargo clearance processes at Nigerian ports, stressing that digital systems would eliminate delays, reduce corruption, and enhance efficiency.

He further emphasised the importance of stakeholder engagement in customs reforms, advocating regular dialogue between government agencies and industry players to improve policy implementation.

Musa concluded that Nigeria must align its transport and trade policies through proper planning, technical expertise, and inclusive reforms to unlock its full economic potential and compete effectively in regional and global markets.