Transportation is very important for businesses all over the world. In Nigeria, because the railway system is not well-developed, most businesses rely on highways to move goods and services.
Since trains don’t cover many parts of the country, companies are forced to use roads, which are more expensive. However, highways still play a big role by linking major cities, ports, and business areas. This helps move farm produce, factory goods, and raw materials to markets within and outside Nigeria. It also boosts trade, increases income, and supports economic growth.
Top 10 Most Important Highways in Nigeria (Economically)
Based on a recent survey, these highways are the most important for business:
- Lagos–Ibadan
- Lagos–Onitsha
- Kano–Maiduguri
- Jos–Maiduguri
- Lagos–Abuja
- Onitsha–Owerri
- Jos–Kano
- Calabar–Port Harcourt
- Port Harcourt–Warri
- Jos–Abuja
Roads vs Rail in Nigeria
Even though trains should be a good option, Nigeria’s railway network is small and doesn’t reach many areas. As of 2024, the country has:
- 3,505 km of old narrow-gauge railway lines
- 669 km of modern standard-gauge lines
- A population of around 250 million
- A land size of 923,770 square kilometers
When compared to Egypt, which has a land size of 1,001,450 square kilometers and a smaller population (about 108 million), Nigeria’s railway system falls behind. Egypt has 6,700 km of railway tracks, making its train system more useful and widespread.
Road Conditions and Challenges
A survey by SBM Intelligence, involving 245 drivers in eight major cities, showed that many drivers are unhappy with the condition of Nigerian roads.
Nigeria has the largest road network in West Africa, with 108,000 km of paved roads, but most of them are in poor shape.
The bad state of the roads affects the transport of goods and puts pressure on key sectors like oil and farming, which depend on trucks to move products.
Why the Highway Network is Designed This Way
Nigeria’s road system is planned to connect the southern coastal areas (where the ports are) to the northern regions (where most farming happens). This setup makes it easier to move farm products from the north to the ports in the south, helping to join the two regions economically.
The report noted:
“This setup helps move farm produce from the north to the richer southern states and ports, supporting trade and unity between the two regions.”