BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
The Managing Director of Primero Transport Services Limited, Mr Fola Tinubu, has said that Nigeria’s transport system must evolve beyond outdated structures and embrace bold, technology-driven innovation to power national growth.
Speaking on Wednesday at the opening of the Nigeria Transport Infrastructure Summit 2025 in Lagos which he chaired, Tinubu said the nation stood at a critical juncture where transport infrastructure must become “the engine room of economic transformation.”
“Transportation is not just about moving people or goods,” Tinubu said.
“It’s about connecting lives, driving trade, supporting industries, and fueling national growth. No economy can thrive without an efficient transport system, it’s the backbone of productivity and development”, he said.
He commended the organisers, JustAlive Communications Limited, for assembling key players from aviation, maritime, rail, and road sectors to chart a new course for Nigeria’s transport industry.
“Our roads are overstretched, our rail network is still developing, our ports and airports need upgrades, and our waterways remain largely untapped. But within these challenges lie immense opportunities. This summit is about turning those challenges into opportunities”, he added.
Tinubu said the theme, “Nigeria’s Transport Infrastructure: Innovation for a Sustainable Future,” captures the urgency of the moment, stressing that Nigeria must pivot toward modern, integrated, and climate-resilient systems.
“We must innovate. We must think differently. We must build systems that are not just functional, but smart, sustainable, and future-ready,” he declared.
Highlighting global trends, Tinubu pointed to electric mobility, intelligent traffic management, smart ticketing, and cleaner energy as examples of how technology is redefining mobility worldwide.
“All over the world, technology is transforming transportation,” he said.
“Nigeria has the talent and creativity to do the same. What we need is collaboration, between the government, the private sector, and development partners, to make it happen.”
Drawing from Primero’s operational experience, Tinubu said innovation and discipline had proven to be catalysts for progress but emphasized that nationwide transformation required a collective effort.
“No single company or government agency can do it alone,” he warned. “It takes partnership, policy support, and a shared vision to build a truly integrated transport system.”
He challenged participants to make the summit a platform for real change, not just another conference of good intentions.
“As we begin today’s discussions, I encourage everyone here to engage honestly, challenge outdated thinking, and leave with concrete actions that can move this sector forward,” he urged.
Tinubu concluded with a charge to all stakeholders to take ownership of shaping the country’s transport destiny.
“The future of Nigeria’s transport sector is not written yet,” he said. “We are the ones who will write it. Let’s make this summit count.”
The 2025 summit brought together top policymakers, investors, transport operators, and innovators to craft a national roadmap for sustainable, efficient, and inclusive transport infrastructure.
Olapeju is a journalist and aviation reporter.
