President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR is committed to transforming Nigeria’s transport and logistics landscape through strategic investment, sound policy reforms, and converting challenges into historic opportunities.
The Honourable Minister of Transportation Sen. Said Ahmed Alkali made these remarks while delivering his keynote address during the Nigeria Transport and Logistics Leadership Summit 2025 at Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja Tuesday October 14, 2025.
The Minister said tangible progress is already been recorded across multiple fronts, rails, roads, pipeline transportation and varied innovations that are designed to transform the sector towards more efficient service delivery that are consistent with international best practices, adding that “the 284 kilometre Kano-Katsina- Maradi standard gauge rail project and Kaduna- Kano rail line are nearing completion.”
He also pointed out the monumental step by the Federal Executive Council that recently approved $3 billion for the completion of the Eastern Rail Project is a strategic move that will unlock a vital artery for national economy.
On pipeline transport modernisation, the Hon. Minister said, “we are upgrading our national pipeline transport network to ensure the efficient transport of oil and gas under the rail modernisation projects”.
This initiative he said, will strengthen energy, security, reduce dependence on road-based haulage, and promote environmental sustainability by cutting emissions for heavy- duty trucks.
On innovation and future trends, the Minister stated that the uture of transport is being shaped by innovation and Nigeria is not left behind.
He pointed out the landmark achievement witnessed at the Nigeria Institute of Transport Technology (NITT), Zaria with the successful test flight of drones developed by NITT Engineers. This, he said underscores the readiness of the nation to embrace indigenous technology, adding that, “the future we are building is both smart and home grown”.
He however stressed that Government cannot achieve the transformation alone hence, the “partnerships represented in this summit between the public and private sectors, between traditional industries and emerging technology hubs are vital to scaling innovation and sustaining impact”.
He called on all stakeholders to unite in purpose and determination to bring out resources, innovation and commitment to build a transport and logistics system that serves every Nigerian from urban centres to rural communities.
The Hon. Minister thereafter declared the conference open.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Director General and Chief Executive, NITT Dr. Bayero Salih Farah, said the summit provides a timely platform to bring together all stakeholders, policymakers, researchers, investors, operators and leaders of thought in the transport and logistics sector. A forum to reflect on where we are, identify what must be done and to chart a clear path for the future of a sector that remains central to national development, regional integration, and global competitiveness.
He recommended that, Nigeria’s transport sector urgently adopts a National Integrated Transport Masterplan, anchored on sustainability, human capital development and innovation adding that, such masterplan must be holistic covering all modes of transport -phased in implementation and backed by robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, pointing out that, this will not only reduce inefficiencies and lower costs but open new frontiers for trade, generate jobs and strengthens Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global market.