Industry leaders urge urgent reforms as up to 40 million metric tonnes of food wasted yearly due to weak transport system

Nigeria is losing as much as ₦5 trillion every year because of inefficient logistics and transport systems, stakeholders said on Wednesday at the 10th Anniversary Lecture of City Business News held in Lagos. At the event themed ‘Logistics as the Engine Room of Nigeria’s Economy,’ sector leaders called on the Federal Government to urgently implement major reforms to strengthen the country’s logistics infrastructure.

Dr. Boboye Oyeyemi, President of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) and former Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), stated that poor road networks, multiple illegal checkpoints, high cost of fuel, and inconsistent government policies have continued to hamper smooth movement of goods across Nigeria. According to him, these challenges result in post-harvest losses estimated between $2.3 billion and $3.3 billion annually—equivalent to about ₦3.5 trillion to ₦5 trillion—due to food spoilage before it reaches consumers.

Oyeyemi highlighted that between 30 million and 40 million metric tonnes of food are lost yearly across the country because producers cannot get their goods efficiently from farms to markets. He noted that this situation not only undermines national food security but also leads to higher prices for consumers and lower incomes for farmers, worsening poverty in both rural and urban areas.

He further explained that Nigeria’s logistics sector is critical for economic growth but remains weighed down by infrastructural deficits and regulatory bottlenecks. “Transport infrastructure is a key driver for development, yet we continue to face setbacks from dilapidated roads, fuel scarcity, and policy inconsistency,” Oyeyemi said while addressing participants at the Lagos event.

Stakeholders at the lecture called on government agencies and policymakers at all levels to prioritise investment in road rehabilitation, streamline checkpoints on highways, address fuel supply issues, and ensure effective coordination among ministries responsible for transport and commerce. They insisted that without urgent action, Nigeria risks continued economic losses and persistent food insecurity.

The event concluded with a call for government to engage more closely with private sector operators in developing a long-term roadmap for logistics reforms. Observers say decisive steps by relevant authorities could help unlock billions in value currently lost each year due to inefficiency in moving goods nationwide.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria-losing-up-to-n5tr-yearly-to-poor-logistics-stakeholders-seek-urgent-reforms/

Telecoms leader urges restoration of ‘national consciousness’ as recent violence against foreigners sparks regional concern

The chairperson of MTN Group has publicly condemned the ongoing xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals in South Africa, urging citizens and leaders to return to what he described as a spirit of ‘national consciousness.’ The remarks were made on Friday during a company event, as fresh incidents of violence against non-South Africans have reignited diplomatic tensions across the region.

The MTN chairperson addressed stakeholders in Johannesburg, denouncing the recent wave of attacks that have affected foreign-owned businesses and communities. The chairperson stressed that such actions undermine social cohesion and threaten the economic stability of not just South Africa but also neighbouring countries, including Nigeria, where MTN maintains significant operations.

Xenophobic violence has remained a recurring issue in South Africa, with previous episodes resulting in loss of lives and extensive property damage. For many Nigerians living in South Africa or with business ties to the country, these developments raise fresh concerns about safety and bilateral relations between Abuja and Pretoria.

While speaking to participants at the event, the MTN chairperson called on South Africans to reflect on their shared history and embrace inclusivity. He stated that rebuilding ‘national consciousness’ was vital for long-term peace and prosperity. No immediate comment was available from South African government officials regarding measures to address the situation.

As at Friday evening, Nigerian authorities had yet to issue an updated travel advisory for citizens residing or travelling to South Africa. The incident is likely to prompt further dialogue between both countries, with stakeholders from the telecoms sector and diplomatic corps expected to push for stronger protections for foreign nationals.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/more-news/890958-mtn-chairperson-condemns-xenophobic-attacks-in-south-africa-urges-return-to-national-consciousness.html

Federal government says rising gas output driven by power, industry and transport; energy stakeholders hail economic boost

Nigeria’s domestic natural gas utilisation has crossed the two billion standard cubic feet per day (2bcfd) mark, with exports hitting their highest level in five years, according to new disclosures by the Decade of Gas Secretariat. The announcement was made during a media capacity-building programme held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Wednesday.

Mr. Taofeek Balogun, representing the Decade of Gas Secretariat at the event, stated that Nigeria’s gas sector is now recording year-to-date production of 7.85 billion standard cubic feet per day (bcfd). He attributed this progress to the Federal Government’s ongoing gas development agenda, which targets increased domestic supply for power generation, industry, transportation and household use.

The surge in both domestic consumption and exports comes at a time when Nigeria is seeking to reduce reliance on imported fuels and strengthen its energy security. The government’s push for wider adoption of compressed natural gas (CNG) and electric vehicles has also created new demand for domestic gas. Experts say this milestone demonstrates the growing role of natural gas in Nigeria’s industrialisation drive and economic diversification efforts.

“This achievement reflects our commitment to harnessing Nigeria’s vast gas resources for national development,” Balogun said at the programme, which was organised in collaboration with the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (Pi-CNG & EV). He added that continued investment in infrastructure and policy reforms are essential to sustain growth in the sector.

Stakeholders present at the event commended government’s efforts but urged further action to address challenges such as pipeline vandalism and regulatory bottlenecks. As Nigeria consolidates its position as a leading gas producer in Africa, industry players expect ongoing reforms to attract more investments and support job creation across key sectors.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigerias-domestic-gas-utilisation-surpasses-2bcfd-as-exports-hit-five-year-high/