Nigeria has taken a major step towards overhauling its transportation sector with the unveiling of the National Land Transport Policy (NLTP), a comprehensive framework designed to create an integrated, efficient and investment-driven transport system that connects road, rail, waterways, airports, ports and pipelines.

The policy, formally unveiled during the 19th National Council on Transportation (NCT), marks the culmination of more than six decades of efforts to establish a coordinated transport development strategy for the country.

Experts believe the new framework could transform Nigeria’s largely fragmented and road-dependent transport network by promoting multimodal connectivity, improving safety standards, attracting private investment and expanding access to transportation services across urban and rural communities.

Presenting a synopsis of the policy, transportation expert Prof. Samuel Odewumi traced Nigeria’s transport policy evolution to a 1961 study conducted by the Stanford Research Institute and the 1965 Statement of Policy on Transport. He noted that several policy drafts and revisions had emerged over the decades but failed to achieve full implementation.

According to him, the breakthrough came with the development of a dedicated land transport framework, which received Federal Executive Council approval in 2025 before its formal presentation at the 19th NCT in September 2026.

The 95-page policy document contains 14 policy domains and an implementation framework aimed at moving Nigeria away from fragmented interventions towards a coordinated transport system capable of supporting economic growth and national development.

Odewumi observed that land transportation accounts for approximately 90 per cent of movement within Nigeria, making effective coordination among federal, state and local governments essential to the policy’s success.

Five Strategic Pillars

The National Land Transport Policy is anchored on five strategic priorities—organise, integrate, professionalise, invest and include.

The framework seeks to replace fragmented regulations and unrestricted market participation with clearly defined standards, licensing systems and professional oversight.

It also aims to promote seamless movement between different modes of transportation by encouraging end-to-end travel solutions that connect roads, railways, waterways and other transport infrastructure.

Another key objective is to strengthen institutions and improve professionalism within the sector through certification, training and capacity development.

The policy further seeks to attract long-term private investment while ensuring transport services remain affordable, accessible, safe and environmentally sustainable.

Rail Sector Reforms

One of the most significant reforms proposed under the policy is the restructuring of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC).

The policy recommends separating railway regulation, operations and property management into distinct entities to improve efficiency and accountability.

It also calls for the rehabilitation and completion of the country's major rail corridors, including the Western, Eastern and Central railway lines.

To encourage sustainable growth, the policy advocates greater private sector participation through concessions and public-private partnership (PPP) arrangements.

Modernising Road Transportation

For the road transport sector, the NLTP proposes comprehensive reforms aimed at improving safety, regulation and operational efficiency.

Among the measures outlined are harmonised vehicle administration systems, stronger licensing standards, intelligent transport systems, CCTV deployment, advanced roadworthiness technologies and the creation of a unified national transport database.

The framework also recommends the establishment of transport ministries at the state level and transport departments within local governments to strengthen administration and policy implementation.

Tackling Freight Challenges

The policy identifies Nigeria's overreliance on road transport for freight movement as a major contributor to traffic congestion, road deterioration, environmental pollution and rising logistics costs.

To address these challenges, the NLTP promotes greater use of railways, inland waterways and pipelines for the movement of bulk goods and liquid cargo.

It also proposes stricter axle-load enforcement, installation of weighbridges, development of transit parks, cleaner-energy transport systems and financing schemes for fleet renewal.

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In support of regional trade initiatives such as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the policy advocates improved border infrastructure and the establishment of National Freight Offices.

Focus on Safety and Security

Safety and security occupy a central position within the framework.

The policy emphasises operator competence, vehicle fitness, safer transport infrastructure, accident investigations, emergency response systems and stronger security coordination along transportation corridors.

Authorities believe these measures will help reduce accidents, improve public confidence and create a more secure transport environment nationwide.

Expanding Access for Cities and Rural Communities

The NLTP places equal importance on improving mobility in both urban and rural areas.

For cities, it proposes the establishment of metropolitan transport authorities, mass transit standards, intermodal transport hubs, smart ticketing systems and modern traffic management solutions.

In rural areas, the policy prioritises all-season road access, sustainable road maintenance and improved connections between communities, farms, markets, schools and healthcare facilities.

The framework also recognises the importance of non-motorised transportation, advocating the development of pedestrian walkways, dedicated cycling lanes, accessible vehicles, ramps, audible traffic signals and barrier-free transport terminals.

Additionally, it recommends stronger school transport standards and speed management measures, including 30 kilometres-per-hour speed limits in designated urban areas.

Driving Investment Through PPPs

To finance the ambitious reforms, the government intends to attract private sector investment through transparent economic regulation, public-private partnerships, concessions, long-term fleet financing arrangements and capital market instruments.

The policy outlines several financing models, including Design-Build (DB), Design-Build-Finance-Maintain (DBFM), Design-Build-Finance-Maintain-Operate (DBFMO), Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT), Build-Own-Operate (BOO) and operations-and-maintenance agreements.

Implementation Key to Success

The implementation roadmap is structured into short, medium and long-term phases.

Within the first two years, the focus will be on stakeholder sensitisation, development of standards, pilot projects and the establishment of legal and institutional frameworks.

The medium-term phase, spanning three to five years, will concentrate on expanding infrastructure, modernising transport fleets and executing major PPP projects.

Over the longer term, between five and ten years, the policy aims to achieve full multimodal integration, sustainable financing mechanisms and mature transport data systems.

Odewumi stressed that the success of the National Land Transport Policy would depend not on its formulation but on effective implementation.

He recommended clear responsibilities, measurable targets, funding plans and regular monitoring mechanisms to ensure progress.

The policy also provides for periodic reviews every five years to ensure it remains relevant and responsive to evolving transport needs.

According to Odewumi, Nigeria can no longer afford what he described as “disjointed incrementalism” in transport planning, insisting that only a coordinated, integrated and properly managed transport system can support the country's economic ambitions and growing population.

With the unveiling of the NLTP, stakeholders believe Nigeria now has a long-awaited blueprint capable of transforming transportation into a more efficient, safer and globally competitive sector.