• About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy & Policy
Tuesday, August 12, 2025
Umpirenews | Latest News, Politics, Breaking News, Nigeria and African history
Advertisement
  • National
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Entertainment
  • Sports
  • Editorial
  • Opinion
  • Columns
No Result
View All Result
  • National
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Entertainment
  • Sports
  • Editorial
  • Opinion
  • Columns
No Result
View All Result
Umpirenews | Latest News, Politics, Breaking News, Nigeria and African history
No Result
View All Result

Improving Road Networks in Nigeria: A Critical Step for Trade, Logistics, and Economic Growth

Steven Atogi by Steven Atogi
December 28, 2024
in Editorial
Reading Time: 5 mins read
A A
0
Bad road
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on WhatsappShare on EmailShare on Telegram

In Nigeria, the state of the country’s road infrastructure remains a significant obstacle to economic development. The nation’s roads, which are crucial for the movement of goods and people, are often in poor condition and suffer from inadequate maintenance. This issue not only impede trade and logistics but also stifles the growth potential of various sectors of the economy. As Nigeria seeks to boost its economic standing both regionally and globally, improving its federal and state road networks is a necessary step toward unlocking its full potential.

Roads play an indispensable role in the transportation of goods and services. In Nigeria, like in many other countries, a large portion of domestic trade relies on road networks. With limited railway and air transport infrastructure, and with sea transport often confined to coastal regions, roads are the primary means by which goods move across the country. Poor road conditions increase the cost of transportation, leading to delays in delivery times, increased wear and tear on vehicles, and higher operational costs for businesses.

In 2022, the World Bank reported that logistics costs in Nigeria were significantly higher than in other African countries, primarily due to road infrastructure deficiencies. According to the report, Nigeria’s logistics costs amount to nearly 50% of the value of goods traded, which is substantially higher than the global average of 8-10%. These high costs are often passed on to consumers, making goods and services more expensive. In turn, this affects the competitiveness of Nigerian products both locally and in international markets.

Additionally, poor road infrastructure is a major bottleneck for the agricultural sector, which is a key driver of Nigeria’s economy. Agricultural products, which are time-sensitive, often perish during transportation because of rough and unmaintained roads. This not only affects food security but also leads to reduced income for farmers, further exacerbating poverty in rural areas. Improving road networks would ensure that agricultural produce reaches markets more efficiently, benefiting both farmers and consumers.

The lack of efficient roads also affects industrial and commercial activities in Nigeria. Manufacturing plants, distribution centers, and warehouses rely on road networks for the timely movement of raw materials and finished products. A delay in transportation can lead to production downtime and cause a ripple effect that impacts the entire supply chain. When roads are impassable or damaged, logistics companies face delays, which leads to a loss of business, particularly in key sectors such as oil and gas, construction, and retail.

For example, the oil and gas sector, which is one of Nigeria’s main revenue sources, is severely impacted by poor road conditions. Pipelines, refineries, and distribution centers often require the movement of heavy machinery and equipment. The inability to transport these items quickly due to bad roads increases the costs of doing business and reduces efficiency. It also impacts foreign direct investment, as companies may choose other countries with better infrastructure for their operations.

Moreover, the tourism industry, which has enormous potential for economic growth in Nigeria, suffers due to poor roads. Tourists tend to avoid locations that are hard to reach or require long hours of travel on dilapidated roads. Investing in roads would not only make tourist destinations more accessible but also create jobs, stimulate local economies, and increase the country’s overall revenue from tourism.

A modern and well-maintained road network is crucial for sustainable economic growth. According to the African Development Bank, improving road infrastructure can significantly boost a country’s GDP, with a return of up to $2 for every $1 invested in roads. For Nigeria, such an investment would create a multiplier effect that could result in the development of industries, the creation of new jobs, and an improvement in overall productivity. The nation’s transport sector alone employs millions of Nigerians, from drivers to logistics managers, all of whom would benefit from improved infrastructure.

Furthermore, the construction and maintenance of roads create thousands of jobs, especially in a country with a large youth population. The direct and indirect employment opportunities that stem from road projects can help reduce the high rate of unemployment and improve the quality of life for Nigerians. Beyond job creation, better roads facilitate trade between regions, promote foreign investment, and reduce transaction costs, all of which contribute to a more vibrant and dynamic economy.

Despite the clear need for improved road networks, Nigeria’s road infrastructure remains underdeveloped. There are a number of challenges contributing to this problem. First, there is a chronic lack of funding for road projects. With a population of over 200 million people, the government faces immense pressure to allocate resources to a range of sectors such as education, healthcare, and security. As a result, road maintenance and expansion often take a backseat.

Another challenge is corruption, which has plagued many infrastructure projects in Nigeria. Poor oversight and the mismanagement of funds often lead to the abandonment of road projects or the construction of substandard roads that deteriorate quickly. Additionally, the heavy traffic on many major roads, combined with poorly designed and overburdened routes, causes significant wear and tear on the existing infrastructure.

The regulatory framework around road development is also a hindrance. Often, there is insufficient coordination between federal and state governments, leading to fragmented and sometimes conflicting policies. The lack of consistency in road construction standards further complicates efforts to improve the road network. Moreover, public-private partnerships, which could help address the funding gaps, have not been fully optimized, limiting the potential for large-scale road projects.

To overcome these challenges, Nigeria must prioritize road infrastructure in its national development agenda. The federal and state governments must work together to address the gaps in funding, planning, and execution. First, there is a need to increase public investment in road infrastructure through a combination of government spending and public-private partnerships. Foreign investments, particularly in the form of loans and grants, should also be explored to fund large-scale road projects.

Nigeria needs to address the problem of corruption in the construction and maintenance of roads. Transparent bidding processes, proper project monitoring, and stronger accountability measures should be instituted to ensure that funds allocated for road projects are used efficiently.

The establishment of a comprehensive national road policy, which coordinates efforts across all levels of government, would help to standardize construction and maintenance practices, ensuring that roads are built to last and are accessible to all Nigerians. Additionally, the introduction of modern technologies in road maintenance, such as road sensors and automated traffic management systems, could help reduce wear on roads and improve traffic flow.

Nigeria must recognize that improving roads is not just about construction; it’s about long-term sustainability. Regular maintenance is crucial to ensure that roads remain in good condition for years to come. This requires a shift in focus from building new roads to maintaining and upgrading existing ones, especially in rural areas, where infrastructure often lags behind urban areas.

Improving Nigeria’s federal and state road networks is essential for driving trade, logistics, and overall economic growth. By addressing the challenges of funding, corruption, and regulatory coordination, Nigeria can create a road system that facilitates the movement of goods and services, reduces costs for businesses, and supports job creation and industrial growth. With a modern and efficient road network, Nigeria will be better positioned to achieve its economic potential and provide a better quality of life for its citizens.

Steven Atogi

Steven Atogi

Steven Atogi is Editor-in-chief at Umpire News. Formerly Editor-in-chief at DreamsNG Magazine. A skilled editor, writer and researcher with over a decade experience in politics, economy, sports and entertainment news editing; feature writing, copywriting and digital news sourcing. He has published in traditional and new media across local and international media outlets. He is keen on public policy, politics, economy, and social justice themes.

Related Posts

Trump Tariff Policy: Nigerian Exporters Alarmed
Editorial

Trump Tariff Policy: Nigerian Exporters Alarmed

4 months ago
Insecurity
Editorial

Rising Insecurity Threatens Nigeria’s Food Security

4 months ago
Suspension of Governor Fubara: A Constitutional Aberration by NADECO Former Activist
Editorial

Suspension of Governor Fubara: A Constitutional Aberration by NADECO Former Activist

5 months ago
Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan
Editorial

NASS: CONSTITUTIONALITY OF NATASHA AKPOTI-UDUAGHAN’S SUSPENSION

5 months ago

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

I agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

NATIONS NEWS

No room for coalition gang up here, Ondo is for Tinubu – Gov Aiyedatiwa
National

No room for coalition gang up here, Ondo is for Tinubu – Gov Aiyedatiwa

13 hours ago
Update: Lagos State University calls off strike, exams begin August 18
National

Update: Lagos State University calls off strike, exams begin August 18

13 hours ago
Tambuwal’s arrest is political witch-hunt – Sokoto PDP
National

Tambuwal’s arrest is political witch-hunt – Sokoto PDP

13 hours ago
Obi won 2023 election according to data — Ex-SGF,  Babachir Lawal
National

Obi won 2023 election according to data — Ex-SGF,  Babachir Lawal

13 hours ago
Child hunger and deaths in Katsina nine times worse than Gaza — Experts
National

Child hunger and deaths in Katsina nine times worse than Gaza — Experts

2 days ago
Flood Alert: FG warns 15 northern states of potential flooding
National

Flood Alert: FG warns 15 northern states of potential flooding

2 days ago

POLITICS

Peter Obi, El-Rufai Granted Waiver Ahead 2027 Election

ADC boasts of growing membership strength in Rivers, at 800,000 and counting

2 days ago
Wike introducing `chaoticʼ politics in Rivers, we don’t know which party he belongs – Tonye Cole

Wike introducing `chaoticʼ politics in Rivers, we don’t know which party he belongs – Tonye Cole

2 days ago
2027: Individuals’ coalition cannot defeat Tinubu, except parties – Shekarau

2027: Individuals’ coalition cannot defeat Tinubu, except parties – Shekarau

2 days ago
PDP must expel Wike, Ortom, others, for anti-party activities — Lamido

PDP must expel Wike, Ortom, others, for anti-party activities — Lamido

4 days ago
Coalition’s ADC takes over of PDP structures in North East

Zamfara: ADC call on President Tinubu to retrieve N56m tax collected by bandits

4 days ago
Peter Obi, El-Rufai Granted Waiver Ahead 2027 Election

APC’s plan to divide ADC into factions won’t work – Ganduje’s ex-aide

1 week ago

YOUR ECONOMY

Largest shea butter refinery in Africa begins operation in Niger State
Economy

Largest shea butter refinery in Africa begins operation in Niger State

4 days ago
Afreximbank signs $4bn refinancing loan for Dangote refinery
Economy

Afreximbank signs $4bn refinancing loan for Dangote refinery

1 week ago
High Interest Rate Tops Business Constraints in Nigeria
Economy

High Interest Rate Tops Business Constraints in Nigeria

3 weeks ago
Naira depreciates against dollar twice in one week
Economy

Naira depreciates against dollar twice in one week

3 weeks ago
Dangote Refinery Drops Pump Prices Again with a Price Range between 875 and ₦905 Nationwide
Economy

Dangote Refinery Targets 700,000 BPD Capacity by Year-End

3 weeks ago
Nigerian Stock Market Gains N833bn as Dangote, BUA Lead Rally
Economy

Nigerian Stock Market Gains N833bn as Dangote, BUA Lead Rally

4 weeks ago

E & P

NPFL Suspends S’Eagles Goalkeeper Over Betting Allegations
Sports

NPFL Suspends S’Eagles Goalkeeper Over Betting Allegations

by Tammy Opoki
3 days ago
0

Super Eagles goalkeeper Adewale Adeyinka has been suspended from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) following allegations of insider betting....

CAF Ranking: Rivers United Emerged Top club in Nigeria

CAF Ranking: Rivers United Emerged Top club in Nigeria

3 days ago
National Youth Games: NSC  Give Asaba Facilities  Pass Mark, Confirms Date

National Youth Games: NSC  Give Asaba Facilities  Pass Mark, Confirms Date

3 days ago
Inter Milan Target Ademola Lookman in €40m Transfer Bid

Arsenal Legend Backs Move for Lookman Amid Transfer Talks

7 days ago
Rivers swan congratulates d’tigress, urge RSG to build more basketball courts

Rivers swan congratulates d’tigress, urge RSG to build more basketball courts

1 week ago
Breaking News: Hansi Flick interested in signing Ademola Lookman to Barcelona 

Ademola Lookman submits transfer for possible exit from Atalanta

1 week ago

YOUR THOUGHT & HISTORY

Tribute to Old Port Harcourt Boy (Peter Rufai)
Columns

Tribute to Old Port Harcourt Boy (Peter Rufai)

by Tammy Opoki
3 weeks ago
A Democracy Strained: Buhari’s Human Rights Record and the Repression of Dissent
Columns

A Democracy Strained: Buhari’s Human Rights Record and the Repression of Dissent

by Odini Brains
4 weeks ago
El-Rufai Plans New Party as ADC Backup Against APC Interference
Columns

The Shadow Strategist: El-Rufai, the Illusion of Power, and 2027’s Looming Reckoning

by Odini Brains
1 month ago
Columns

Kidnapped, Silenced, Vindicated: The Full Impact of Kanu’s Judgment

by Odini Brains
2 months ago
The Emerging Kogi: Economic Growth Impact Transforming Better Reality
Columns

The Emerging Kogi: Economic Growth Impact Transforming Better Reality

by Kiikpoye Karibo
2 months ago

Who we are

Umpirenews | Latest News, Politics, Breaking News, Nigeria and African history

Welcome to Umpire News, your go-to online newspaper dedicated to broadening perspectives and expanding the horizons of our numerous readers. Read more

Browse by Category

  • Columns
  • Economy
  • Editorial
  • Entertainment
  • International
  • National
  • News
  • Opinion
  • Politics
  • Sports
  • Trends

Recent News

No room for coalition gang up here, Ondo is for Tinubu – Gov Aiyedatiwa

No room for coalition gang up here, Ondo is for Tinubu – Gov Aiyedatiwa

August 12, 2025
Ibom Air female passenger’s remand sparks uproar

Ibom Air female passenger’s remand sparks uproar

August 12, 2025
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy & Policy

© 2024 Copyright Umpirenews. All rights reserved

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • National
  • Economy
  • Politics
  • Sports
  • Entertainment
  • Editorial
  • Opinion
  • Columns

© 2024 Copyright Umpirenews. All rights reserved

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.
🤑Join & Get Our Easter Gifts 🤑

Enter your NAME & Email NOW!!

Be among the 1st 100 lucky WINNERS to win our Amazing GIFTs this Easter Period as you READ our Daily hot NEWs & make meaningful comments and follow us on our social media handles.

Name
Enter your email address