The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s transport and logistics ecosystem, describing efficient logistics as critical to driving economic diversification, industrialisation and achieving the country’s target of building a $1 trillion economy by 2030.

Speaking virtually at the 2026 Ningbo–Africa Trade & Logistics Cooperation Forum in Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, China, the Technical Adviser to the Vice President on Transportation, Logistics and Innovation, Dr. Segun Obayendo, said the Tinubu administration was implementing strategic reforms and partnerships to modernise transport infrastructure, improve supply chain efficiency and position Nigeria as West Africa’s leading logistics and distribution hub.

Obayendo said the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu places significant emphasis on infrastructure development, trade facilitation, investment promotion and economic competitiveness, noting that these objectives depend on an efficient and integrated transport and logistics system.

“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,” he said.

According to him, Nigeria’s strategic location, abundant natural resources, expanding consumer market and access to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) provide a strong platform for regional economic leadership. However, he stressed that unlocking these opportunities requires sustained investment in multimodal transport infrastructure, modern seaports, digital logistics platforms and integrated supply chain networks.

Obayendo also described China’s zero-tariff policy for exports from African countries as a major opportunity for Nigeria to boost exports, strengthen local manufacturing, attract investment and deepen participation in global value chains.

“China’s zero-tariff initiative presents a strategic opportunity for Nigeria and the wider African continent. By strengthening our logistics capacity and improving trade facilitation, we can expand exports, attract manufacturing investments and position Nigerian businesses to compete more effectively in international markets,” he said.

He added that Nigeria–China cooperation should extend beyond increasing trade volumes to include technology transfer, industrial development, infrastructure investment, skills acquisition and innovation capable of creating sustainable employment opportunities for millions of Nigerians.

The presidential adviser further highlighted the importance of developing integrated logistics corridors connecting seaports, inland dry ports, rail networks, highways and warehousing facilities, saying efficient cargo movement remains essential to lowering the cost of doing business, improving export competitiveness and enhancing regional trade under AfCFTA.

Obayendo 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-base Group—for providing a platform that promotes practical international collaboration capable of translating policy discussions into concrete economic outcomes.

He also welcomed strategic agreements reached during the forum, including a proposed partnership on port development and logistics infrastructure between GK&A Logistics Services Limited and China-base Ningbo Foreign Trade Co., Ltd., describing the initiative as a significant step towards strengthening Nigeria’s logistics capacity and 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,” Obayendo said.

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

The Technical Adviser expressed confidence that the outcomes of the Ningbo forum would deepen Nigeria–China economic cooperation, stimulate private sector investment and strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global trading system.

He also urged governments, development partners, financial institutions and the private sector to sustain collaboration in implementing the agreements reached at the forum to maximise their long-term economic benefits.