Experts in Nigeria’s haulage and logistics sector have called for stronger collaboration among manufacturers, transporters, financial institutions and technology providers to eliminate empty truck journeys and reduce transportation costs.
They said a functional return cargo system, supported by digital platforms and improved cargo coordination, would enhance operational efficiency, reduce losses and strengthen the country’s supply chain.
The experts made the call at the 12th Haulage and Logistics Magazines Annual Conference and Exhibition (HAULMACE), held on Wednesday in Lagos, with the theme, “Technology as an Enabler for More Efficient Haulage Operations: The Need for Industry Collaboration”.
Speaking at the conference, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Lori Systems, Mr Jean-Claude Homawoo, said the absence of effective return cargo arrangements had continued to increase transportation costs, as many trucks returned empty after delivering goods.
Homawoo attributed the problem to unequal cargo distribution, seasonal demand, prolonged waiting periods and lack of trust among industry stakeholders.
He noted that about 90 per cent of goods transportation in Nigeria depended on road networks, making efficient trucking operations critical to economic growth.
According to him, a 2024 World Bank study indicated that about 29 per cent of truck kilometres travelled globally were empty, with developing countries recording higher figures.
He said Nigeria lacked reliable national data on empty truck movements, although the challenge was evident along major north-south transport corridors.
Homawoo disclosed that only about two per cent of trips initially involved return cargo carried by the same trucks through his company’s Nigerian network.
He called for technology-driven platforms that would connect manufacturers with verified transporters, improve cargo coordination and provide reliable information on available shipments.
He added that digital proof of delivery could reduce payment processing time by up to one week, easing financial pressure on transport operators.
Homawoo also identified compressed natural gas and electric trucks as opportunities to reduce fuel and maintenance expenses but warned that infrastructure gaps and limited financing could prevent small-scale operators from benefiting from the transition.
In a panel session, the Chief Operating Officer of Dukeridges, Mr Aanuoluwapo Agboola, said technology should serve as infrastructure for intelligence gathering, informed decision-making and cost reduction.
Agboola said digital platforms could connect cargo owners with available trucks, thereby creating opportunities to optimise cargo movement.
He also stressed the need to develop rail infrastructure and stations to facilitate seamless cargo transportation and increase the sector’s economic contribution.
Similarly, the Head of Logistics at Promasidor Nigeria Ltd., Mr Ibikunle Sodipo, identified timely delivery and improved turnaround time as critical performance indicators in haulage operations.
He said partnerships among companies could help transporters secure return cargoes and reduce losses associated with empty journeys, adding that trust and effective coordination were necessary to ensure safe return deliveries.
The Managing Director of Trucksoft Logistics Telematics Services, Mr Oluwafemi Oladokun, urged stakeholders to recognise logistics capacity as an economic resource, noting that technology was essential to managing available resources.
He identified driver management as a major industry challenge and stressed the need for mechanisms to ensure drivers fulfilled their responsibilities.
Also, the Chief Executive Officer of Triple A Logistics, Mrs Omotunde Ogunbowale, said teamwork and collaboration were essential to achieving timely cargo delivery.
Ogunbowale called for better cooperation among industry players and emphasised the importance of adequate rest for drivers, noting that well-rested drivers were better positioned to perform their duties.
She said technology could support driver monitoring and cargo tracking, while electronic sign-in and sign-out procedures would strengthen accountability in haulage operations.
Earlier, the Convener of HAULMACE, Mr Alfred Okugbeni, called for increased technology adoption and stronger stakeholder collaboration to address operational challenges in Nigeria’s transport and logistics sector.
Okugbeni said the conference provided a platform for stakeholders to examine ways of improving efficiency and strengthening the economy.
He noted that the movement of goods, knowledge and services remained critical to economic growth, requiring sustained investment and improved operational efficiency.
He identified digital platforms, smart banking and fleet management systems as some of the technological solutions capable of addressing industry challenges.
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However, he stressed that technology alone could not transform the sector without effective collaboration among stakeholders.
He listed shipowners, manufacturers, cargo owners, logistics providers, freight forwarders, shippers, technology providers, financiers, insurers and government agencies as critical players in the haulage and logistics value chain.
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