A critical shortage of logistics infrastructure is driving up costs and threatening Nigeria's economic stability, according to experts at the inaugural Supply Chain Conference organised by the African Centre for Supply Chain (ACSC) in Lagos.
With the theme "The Supply Chain of Now: Technology, Sustainability and Social Impact", the conference stressed the urgent need for a radical overhaul of Nigeria's logistics system to unlock its economic potential.
A new World Bank report, "Transport Connectivity for Food Security in Africa," reinforced this urgency, showing that poor logistics and weak storage systems cause up to 40% post-harvest losses of fruits and vegetables in Sub-Saharan Africa. It added that food takes an average of 23 days to reach consumers across the continent—four times longer than in Europe.
ACSC Director-General, Dr. Obiora Madu, warned that infrastructure deficits are crippling businesses and weakening competitiveness. He cited frequent train derailments, lack of reliable data, and fragmented government agencies as major obstacles. "We don't even know what portion of our GDP is made up of logistics," he said, stressing the need for proper data and cohesive policy frameworks.
He noted Nigeria's potential to become a regional logistics hub, given its deep-water ports, airports, and fast-growing e-commerce sector, but lamented that logistics costs remain prohibitively high.
President of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), Barr. Mfon Usoro, said Nigeria's logistics sector is on the cusp of transformation but requires a "full government approach." She pointed out that no agricultural or manufacturing revolution can succeed without efficient supply chains.
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Usoro highlighted encouraging steps such as the creation of a transport cadre in the civil service, collaboration with the Bureau for Public Procurement (BPP) to integrate supply chain management, and the establishment of logistics departments in universities—though more skilled lecturers are needed.
Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc's Group Director of Supply Chain, Cephas Afebuameh, urged professionals to anchor operations on "people, planet, and profitability," stressing that green logistics is now a prerequisite for global supply chain integration.
Dr. Omolara Akanji of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) advised businesses to harness data for navigating trade tariffs and to reduce reliance on imports by strengthening local manufacturing.
MTN's Senior Manager of Facilities, Olufunmilayo Jegede, noted that the company is supporting smoother logistics operations nationwide.
Prof. Frank Ojadi of Lagos Business School issued a strong call for businesses to map and understand their supply chains. He warned that without proactive planning, companies remain vulnerable to shocks from infrastructure gaps, inconsistent policies, and security risks. "Firms must constantly evaluate their processes to withstand shocks," he said.
