TTP decries insufficient technology infrastructure at Nigerian Ports

By Seun Ibiyemi

The Managing Director of Truck Transit Park Limited (TTP), Jamal Onwubuariri, has raised a serious alarm regarding the insufficient deployment of infrastructure and technology at Nigeria's ports and border posts, stating they are simply not sufficient for the high volume of cargo entering the West African region.

Speaking at the 2025 Transport Summit organized by the Transport Correspondents Association of Nigeria (TCAN) under the theme, "Driving the Transport Logistics Value Chains for Economic Growth," Onwubuariri shared insights from a 6,000-kilometre road trip he undertook from Nigeria to Liberia.

He highlighted that the road infrastructure gap, both within Nigeria and across the West African region, is a major challenge. However, he stressed that the second critical issue is that ports and border posts lack the necessary infrastructure and technology to handle the volume of commerce efficiently.

Onwubuariri detailed the severe delays at borders, citing Nigerian drivers transporting perishable goods like tomatoes, yams, and onions from Sokoto to ports like Tema or Abidjan who spend two to three weeks on the road just to deliver and return. This results in drivers lacking quality time with their families or access to basic rest areas.

The TTP boss proposed that technology companies can significantly assist the government in deploying solutions at ports and border posts to enhance the movement of goods and people.

He emphasized that the government cannot shoulder the burden of infrastructure investment alone, urging private companies to invest capital, both informal and formal, in essential areas like rest stops and technology to drive trade and investment.