The Federal Government has identified an efficient transport and logistics ecosystem as a major pillar in its drive to achieve a $1 trillion economy by 2030.

The government said sustained investment in infrastructure and supply chain reforms would accelerate trade, attract investments and position Nigeria as West Africa’s leading logistics hub.

The Technical Adviser to the Vice President on Transportation, Logistics and Innovation, Dr Segun Obayendo, stated this yesterday while delivering an address at the 2026 Ningbo–Africa Trade and Logistics Cooperation Forum held in Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, China.

Obayendo said the administration of President Bola Tinubu was implementing strategic policies and partnerships aimed at modernising Nigeria’s transport infrastructure, improving logistics efficiency and strengthening the country’s competitiveness in regional and global trade.

According to him, the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ places infrastructure development, trade facilitation and investment promotion at the centre of Nigeria’s economic transformation, stressing that the objectives could not be achieved without an integrated and efficient transport system.

He said: “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.”

Obayendo noted that Nigeria’s strategic location, vast natural resources, expanding consumer market and participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) provided a solid foundation for the country to emerge as a regional economic powerhouse.

He, however, stressed that unlocking the full benefits of these opportunities would require sustained investment in multimodal transport infrastructure, modern seaports, digital logistics platforms and integrated supply chain networks.
He also described China’s zero-tariff policy on exports from African countries as a major opportunity for Nigeria to expand its export base, strengthen local manufacturing, attract foreign investments and deepen participation in global value chains.

According to him, improved logistics capacity and efficient trade facilitation would enable Nigerian businesses to compete more effectively in international markets while boosting the country’s export earnings.

Besides, Obayendo advocated stronger Nigeria-China cooperation beyond trade, calling for deeper collaboration in technology transfer, industrial development, infrastructure investment, skills acquisition and innovation capable of creating sustainable jobs for millions of Nigerians.

He emphasised the importance of developing integrated logistics corridors connecting seaports, inland dry ports, rail lines, highways and warehousing facilities, noting that efficient cargo movement would reduce the cost of doing business, enhance export competitiveness and strengthen regional trade under the AfCFTA.

He also commended the organisers of the forum – the Pan-African Institute for Supply Chain Innovation (PAISCI), the Ningbo China Institute for Supply Chain Innovation (NISCI) and China-based Group for fostering dialogue aimed at strengthening Africa-China trade relations.

Obayendo welcomed the proposed partnership between GK&A Logistics Services Ltd and China-based Ningbo Foreign Trade Co. Ltd. on port development and logistics infrastructure.

He described this proposal as a significant milestone in efforts to improve Nigeria’s logistics capacity and deepen 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,” he said.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting policies and partnerships that promote efficient transportation systems, logistics innovation, trade facilitation and sustainable industrial development.

Obayendo expressed optimism that the outcomes of the Ningbo forum would strengthen Nigeria-China economic relations, stimulate private investment and enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global trading system.