The Minister of Transportation, Senator Said Alkali, has called for increased funding in the 2025 budget to expand Nigeria’s transportation infrastructure, a move expected to positively impact small businesses by improving logistics and reducing costs.
Speaking during the 2025 budget defence before the Joint Committees on Land Transport at the National Assembly in Abuja, Alkali emphasized the government’s commitment to Nigeria’s Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan. He explained that the budget aims to build on the achievements of 2024, focusing on rail modernization and other critical infrastructure to support economic growth.
Highlighting successes from the previous year, Alkali pointed to the rehabilitation of the narrow gauge railway from Lagos to Kano, now operational for freight services, providing small businesses with a more reliable and cost-effective means of moving goods. Additionally, the 62km rail corridor connecting Port Harcourt to Aba has strengthened trade links between the Eastern Ports and inland markets, creating new opportunities for entrepreneurs.
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The Ministry is also addressing high transportation costs through its partnership with the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). This initiative has introduced 15 CNG-powered buses and established CNG Conversion and Training Centres in several states, with plans for nationwide expansion, aiming to ease transportation challenges and promote cleaner energy use.
Senator Mohammed Adamu Aliero, Chairman of the Joint Committees, stressed the critical role of efficient transportation in supporting Nigeria’s small businesses. He underscored the need to further develop the rail network, describing it as a sustainable solution to ease pressure on road infrastructure and improve business logistics.
With these initiatives, the 2025 transportation budget presents significant opportunities for small businesses to thrive, aligning with the government’s broader economic growth and development agenda.
