Get Guardian on GoogleExperts in Nigeria’s haulage and logistics industry have called for the adoption of return cargo systems, digital technology and stronger collaboration among manufacturers, transporters, financiers and other stakeholders to reduce haulage costs and improve the efficiency of goods movement.
They made the call at the 12th Haulage and Logistics Magazines Annual Conference and Exhibition (HAULMACE) held in Lagos earlier in the week.
The conference, with the theme: ‘Technology as an Enabler for More Efficient Haulage Operations: The Need for Industry Collaboration,’ had experts in the automobile industry and auxiliary sectors in attendance.
Speaking at the conference, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Lori Systems, Jean-Claude Homawoo, said establishing a reliable return cargo system could significantly reduce the cost burden on haulage operators and cargo owners.
Homawoo said manufacturers, transport companies and financial institutions needed to work together to ensure that trucks delivering goods could secure cargo for their return journeys.
“The high dependence on road transportation makes the efficient use of trucks critical to Nigeria’s economy, particularly as rising fuel, maintenance and financing costs continue to squeeze operators.
“Trucks frequently returned empty after deliveries because of uneven cargo distribution, seasonal demand and limited trust among industry players,” he said.
Homawoo noted that a 2024 World Bank study estimated that about 29 per cent of truck kilometres travelled globally were empty, adding that developing countries generally recorded higher levels.
Homawoo also identified digital proof of delivery as another technology capable of improving cash flow for transport operators, saying it could reduce payment processing times by up to one week.
Also speaking, CEO, Dukeridges, Aanuoluwapo Agboola, said technology should be used to provide the intelligence required for better decisions and lower operating costs.
Agboola said digital platforms could connect cargo owners with available trucks, helping operators improve vehicle utilisation and optimise cargo movement.
He, however, stressed that technology would have limited impact without investment in supporting infrastructure, particularly rail.
Head of Logistics, Promasidor Nigeria Limited., IbikunleSodipo, stated timely delivery and truck turnaround remained important performance indicators for companies dependent on haulage.
He said collaboration between companies could enable transporters to secure return cargoes and reduce losses associated with empty journeys.
Managing Director of Trucksoft Logistics Telematics Services, Oluwafemi Oladokun, said logistics capacity should be treated as an economic resource and managed efficiently.
The CEO of Triple A Logistics, OmotundeOgunbowale, also called for stronger teamwork among industry players to improve delivery performance.
She also emphasised the importance of adequate rest for commercial vehicle drivers, noting that fatigue could undermine road safety and operational efficiency.
Earlier, the convener of HAULMACE, Alfred Okugbeni, said technology adoption and collaboration were necessary to address structural challenges across Nigeria’s transport and logistics value chain.
