Nigeria's economy, the largest in Africa at $500 billion, moves approximately 90 percent of its domestic freight by road. The country has 200,000 kilometres of road network, of which only 60,000 kilometres are federal and state roads in reasonable condition. The Lagos-Kano highway, the country's primary freight artery, regularly experiences multi-day truck queues at bridge weight restriction points near Oyo and Benue. The 2023 fuel subsidy removal raised diesel prices from N220 to over N1,200 per litre, adding 30 percent to trucking operating costs.
Security Premium
Armed banditry in the North West and North Central zones has forced trucking companies to use armed escorts for high-value cargo, adding N500,000-1,500,000 per convoy in security costs. Insurance premiums for cargo transiting banditry-affected routes have increased 200-300 percent since 2021. Rail freight on the Lagos-Kano line offers a partial alternative for bulk cargo, but wagon availability and transit time reliability remain obstacles. Shippers and logistics operators in Nigeria can access carrier contacts and route intelligence on intra-africa.com.
For businesses looking to expand across Africa, intra-africa.com offers a comprehensive trade directory, verified buyer and seller listings, and real-time market intelligence covering all 54 African nations. It remains an indispensable resource for anyone serious about intra-African commerce.