The Nigeria multimodal transport policy debate has gained renewed attention after a Professor of Transport, Mobility and Development at Lagos State University, Charles Ojima Asenime, called for urgent reforms to address rising insecurity, inefficiency, and informality in the country’s transport sector.
Speaking during the university’s 122nd inaugural lecture, the professor warned that Nigeria’s transportation system faces worsening challenges due to poor coordination, weak regulation, and lack of integrated planning across different transport modes.
The Nigeria multimodal transport policy proposal was presented during a lecture titled “Who Is This Agbero? Catechizing the Role of Informality and Non State Actors in Nigeria’s Transport System and Development.”
Professor Highlights Nigeria’s Transport Challenges
Asenime argued that the country’s transportation problems continue to affect productivity, safety, and economic development nationwide.
According to him, Nigeria urgently requires a coordinated transport framework supported by strong government implementation and regulation.
Weak Planning Increases Transport Problems
The professor explained that the absence of effective transport planning has contributed to several long-standing issues across the sector.
He identified major concerns including:
- Road traffic accidents
- Insecurity in public transport
- Poor infrastructure
- Arbitrary transport fares
- Rising transportation costs
- Weak enforcement of regulations
The Nigeria multimodal transport policy recommendation aims to improve coordination between road, rail, and water transportation systems.
Informal Operators Dominate Transportation
Asenime stated that informal transport operators currently play a major role in daily mobility across Nigeria.
He noted that commercial buses, motorcycles, tricycles, and informal water transport services remain essential for millions of Nigerians.
According to the professor, nearly 80 percent of citizens would struggle with movement if the informal sector stopped operating.
Road Crashes and Safety Concerns Raise Alarm
The lecture also focused heavily on the growing number of road traffic accidents involving informal transport operators.
Asenime warned that poor regulation and weak training standards continue to endanger commuters.
FRSC Data Reveals High Casualties
Citing figures from the Federal Road Safety Corps, the professor disclosed that more than 15,000 people died in road crashes between 2021 and the second quarter of 2023.
He added that over 93,000 others sustained injuries during the same period.
Motorcycles and minibuses reportedly recorded the highest accident rates because of unsafe operational practices and poor adherence to traffic regulations.
Women and Vulnerable Commuters at Risk
Asenime also highlighted security threats facing commuters, particularly women and vulnerable individuals.
He raised concerns about increasing reports of harassment, molestation, and “one chance” robberies linked to poorly regulated transport operations.
The Nigeria multimodal transport policy discussion therefore extends beyond infrastructure to include passenger safety and urban security.
Poor Condition of Motor Parks Criticized
The professor criticized the state of many transport terminals and motor parks across Nigeria.
He described several parks as disorganized, unsafe, and lacking basic public infrastructure.
Lack of Basic Facilities Worsens Conditions
According to Asenime, many transport parks operate without proper:
- Shelters
- Waiting areas
- Sanitation facilities
- Security systems
- Passenger management structures
He said noise pollution, petty trading, and disorderly activities have become common features in many transport hubs nationwide.
Transport Inefficiency Hurts Productivity
The professor noted that unreliable transportation systems have increased commuting time and reduced economic productivity.
Low-income earners were identified as among the hardest hit, as many now spend a significant percentage of their income on transportation.
The Nigeria multimodal transport policy proposal seeks to improve efficiency while lowering economic pressure on commuters.
Inland Water Transport Remains Underdeveloped
Asenime also addressed challenges affecting Nigeria’s inland waterways despite the country’s extensive water resources.
He described the sector as largely neglected and poorly regulated.
Boat Mishaps Continue Across Nigeria
The professor disclosed that more than 300 people reportedly died in boat accidents between 2023 and 2025.
Factors contributing to these incidents included:
- Overloading
- Lack of life jackets
- Poor maintenance
- Night travel
- Weak safety enforcement
The Nigeria multimodal transport policy initiative places strong emphasis on improving inland water transportation safety.
Lagos Recognized for Water Transport Regulation
Asenime noted that Lagos State remains one of the few states with a functioning water transport regulatory structure.
However, he added that disagreements between state authorities and the Nigeria Inland Waterways Authority often affect smooth regulation and enforcement.
Experts Call for Integrated Transport Reforms
The professor recommended several reforms aimed at modernizing Nigeria’s transport infrastructure and management systems.
He stressed the importance of integrating all modes of transportation into a single coordinated framework.
States Urged to Develop Transport Master Plans
Asenime called on all state governments to create strategic transportation master plans similar to initiatives already implemented in Lagos.
He also recommended stronger investment in:
- Rail transportation
- Inland waterways
- Traffic management systems
- Intelligent transport technology
- Transport safety enforcement
The Nigeria multimodal transport policy framework would support coordinated development across these sectors.
NRC Boss Commends Lagos Rail Progress
Speaking after the lecture, Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Kayode Opeifa, praised the Lagos State Government for improvements in urban rail transportation.
He disclosed that the Lagos Blue Line transported more than 3.5 million passengers in 2025.
Opeifa described the achievement as an important step toward sustainable urban mobility in Nigeria.
Need for Data-Driven Transport Policies
The professor also criticized the absence of reliable transportation data in Nigeria.
According to him, poor data collection weakens planning, forecasting, and infrastructure development nationwide.
Research Seen as Key to Future Planning
Experts at the event stressed that academic research and policy-driven studies remain essential for solving transportation challenges.
The Nigeria multimodal transport policy proposal therefore encourages stronger collaboration between government agencies, researchers, regulators, and transport operators.
FAQ
What is the Nigeria multimodal transport policy?
It is a proposed integrated transport framework aimed at improving coordination between road, rail, and water transportation systems in Nigeria.
Who proposed the Nigeria multimodal transport policy?
Professor Charles Ojima Asenime of Lagos State University called for the policy during an inaugural lecture.
Why is Nigeria’s transport sector facing challenges?
Experts cite poor planning, weak regulation, insecurity, bad infrastructure, and lack of reliable transport data as major causes.
What problems affect inland water transport in Nigeria?
Common issues include boat accidents, overloading, poor maintenance, weak regulation, and lack of safety equipment.
Conclusion
The Nigeria multimodal transport policy proposal has renewed conversations about the urgent need for transportation reforms across the country. Experts believe stronger coordination between transport systems, improved regulation, better infrastructure, and investment in safety measures could significantly improve mobility, productivity, and security for millions of Nigerians. As transport challenges continue affecting economic growth and public safety, stakeholders are increasingly calling for long-term and integrated policy solutions.
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