Firm, LASG move to address fragmented cross-border transportation

Seek designated transport hubs

A fresh push to position Lagos State as a major gateway for regional trade within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is gaining momentum, following a strategic engagement between the state government and private sector stakeholders, led by Alabaru Global Services.

Speaking during the visit, the Managing Director of Alabaru Global Services, Mr Olusegun Elufioye, outlined a vision aimed at integrating Lagos more deliberately into the ECOWAS transport and trade ecosystem.

According to him, the initiative seeks official designation of key transport nodes—particularly Oshodi Terminal 3 and Yaba—as regulated ECOWAS transit points.

Elufioye explained that such designation would allow Nigerians and other West African nationals to access safe, secure, reliable and efficient cross-border transport services from structured terminals, eliminating the current informal and largely unregulated system.

“At the moment, cross-border transport operations are fragmented. Various private operators function without a central regulatory framework. What we are proposing is a system where travellers can park their vehicles securely, board organised transport to destinations like Togo and return seamlessly,” he said.

He emphasised the strategic advantage of the Oshodi Transport Interchange, noting its multimodal connectivity.

“The terminals link road transport with rail, waterways, and is located in close proximity to the airport, making it an ideal hub for regional mobility.

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“A traveller can arrive from Sokoto by air, walk into the terminal, and connect to a regional transport service without stress. That is the kind of efficiency we are looking at,” Elufioye added.

On security concerns, he expressed confidence in the infrastructure, stating that the facilities, managed by Planet Projects, meet high safety standards suitable for international transit operations.

While revenue projections for the Lagos State Government were not disclosed in detail, Elufioye noted that the financial framework is embedded in a broader business development plan, which will guide operational sustainability and government earnings.

Providing further insights, Professor Samuel Babatunde, a key stakeholder in the initiative, stressed that the proposal aligns with broader continental trade objectives, particularly the African Continental Free Trade Area.

He noted that formalising ECOWAS transport hubs in Lagos would not only enhance trade flows but also unlock significant economic and social benefits.

“This initiative is about bringing Lagos into the heart of regional trade while also delivering efficient and secure transportation for taxpayers. It supports our participation in AfCFTA and strengthens regional integration,” Babatunde said.

Beyond trade facilitation, the project is expected to create employment opportunities. Babatunde revealed that at least 100 Nigerians would be engaged at the initial phase, with projections rising to 200, and more as operations expand across West Africa.

On regulatory alignment, Babatunde disclosed that a waiver proposal has been submitted to the Nigeria Customs Service, a critical step in facilitating cross-border operations. He expressed optimism that approval from the Lagos government would further strengthen engagements with Customs authorities.