Joyce Mmereole Okoli
LagosState Governor, Babajide Sanyo-Olu, is expected to grace the fourth edition of the Global Transport Policy (GTP) Multimodal Roundtable, underscoring the growing importance of integrated transportation in driving Nigeria’s economic development.
The annual transport summit, scheduled for June 17, 2026, will bring together policymakers, transport experts, investors, academics and industry leaders to discuss practical solutions for transforming Nigeria’s transportation system.
Speaking at a press conference in Lagos, Chairman and Managing Director of Widescope Logistics International and Convener of the Global Transport Policy, Dr. Segun Musa, described the governor’s expected attendance as a major boost for the conference and a reflection of Lagos State’s commitment to transport innovation.
According to Musa, the governor has given positive indications that he will personally attend the event rather than send a representative, as was the case in previous years.
“We have gotten a positive response that the governor will be in attendance. Unlike before, when he was often represented by commissioners or heads of agencies, this time around the governor himself will be seated to listen to erudite scholars and industry experts discussing the way forward for a multimodal transport system in Nigeria,” Musa said.
The conference, themed “Transforming Nigeria’s Transport System: Integrating Solutions for Safety, Efficiency and Sustainability,” is expected to attract over 400 participants from across the transport ecosystem.
Musa said the event aligns with the vision of creating a transport network where road, rail, waterways and aviation work together seamlessly to support economic growth and improve mobility.
“We want a holistic transport system where all modes interact in a symbiotic way to complement one another. We cannot get transport right until we begin proper integration across all modes,” he stated.
The GTP convener noted that excessive dependence on road transportation has continued to place enormous pressure on infrastructure, making the case for stronger investment in rail and water transport alternatives.
“Government is spending so much on roads, yet we hardly see the expected value because the burden on the roads is simply too much. We need to move traffic from roads to rail and from rail to waterways so that the pressure is distributed,” he added.
The conference will feature discussions around three key sub-themes: Investment: Driving a Resilient Workforce; Seamless Mobility: Driving Economic Growth Through an Integrated Transport System; and safe, Smart Mobility: Reimagining Transport Systems for a Greener Future.
Also speaking at the briefing, Director of the Centre for Multimodal Transport Studies, University of Lagos, Prof. Iyiola Oni, commended the organisers for sustaining conversations around transport integration, describing the initiative as a genuine pathway to transforming Nigeria’s transport sector.
“What we are seeing is an effort to encourage a comprehensive and integrated multimodal transport system in Nigeria. Each mode has its own value, and if we deploy them properly, we can reduce congestion, improve efficiency and maximise investments,” Oni said.
Chief Operating Officer of Global Transport Policy, Mark Onuchi, said the summit would serve as a platform for collaboration among transport operators, innovators and government agencies.
“Nigeria would be a powerhouse if a multimodal system is properly integrated. This conference is about bringing together the ecosystem builders, policymakers and operators who can make that happen,” he said.
Beyond state and federal participation, the organisers have also invited the Chairman of Ikeja Local Government as part of efforts to ensure grassroots involvement in transport planning and development.