Nigerian engineers have called for a major shift from road-dependent transportation to an integrated intermodal system capable of connecting the country’s agricultural, industrial and commercial centres to markets.
The call was made at the 2026 Annual Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Institution of Highway and Transportation Engineers (NIHTE), held in Lagos with the theme, “Diversifying Nigeria’s Economy Through Strategic Intermodal Transportation Links.”
Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi, said an interconnected network linking roads, rail, inland waterways, seaports and air transport was essential to improving Nigeria’s economic competitiveness.
Represented by Mr Bada Folarin, the commissioner said reducing delays at ports and along major transport corridors would lower logistics and production costs, ease pressure on food prices and strengthen the country’s position in international trade.
Guest lecturer and immediate past Chairman of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Lagos Branch, Mrs Olukorede Kesha, urged engineers to prioritise climate-resilient infrastructure, sustainable design and stronger local content in project delivery.
She identified major investments, including the 750km Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, as opportunities to unlock Nigeria’s blue economy and stimulate wider economic activity.
The Acting National Chairman of NIHTE, Dr Bola Mudasiru, said closing Nigeria’s infrastructure gaps would require transparent public-private partnerships, climate-resilient engineering standards and consistent policy implementation.
The conference also witnessed the conferment of fellowship on 30 engineers, while three professionals received special merit awards for outstanding leadership and professional excellence.
