LAGOS/Nigeria: Logistics operators in Nigeria have called for a coordinated return cargo system, wider use of digital technology and stronger partnerships among industry players to reduce the cost of transporting goods and improve efficiency across the country’s supply chain.
The recommendations emerged at the 12th Haulage and Logistics Magazines Annual Conference and Exhibition (HAULMACE), held in Lagos on Wednesday, November 4, 2026.
The conference, themed “Technology as an Enabler for More Efficient Haulage Operations: The Need for Industry Collaboration,” examined operational difficulties in the transport sector and the role of technology in addressing rising logistics expenses.
Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Lori Systems, Mr Jean-Claude Homawoo, identified the frequent return of trucks without cargo after deliveries as one of the avoidable costs affecting the industry.
He argued that a functional return cargo arrangement would enable transporters to secure goods for return journeys, reducing empty mileage and improving the commercial value of available truck capacity.
Homawoo attributed the problem to poor coordination between cargo owners and transport operators, uneven distribution of shipments, seasonal demand and limited trust among industry participants.
He said approximately 90 per cent of goods transported in Nigeria moved by road, making improvements in trucking operations particularly important to the country’s economy.
Citing a 2024 World Bank study, he said about 29 per cent of truck kilometres travelled globally were recorded as empty journeys, with developing economies facing even greater challenges.
He noted that Nigeria lacked reliable national data on empty truck movements, although the problem was evident along major north-south transportation routes.
Homawoo also disclosed that only about two per cent of trips initially involved return cargo carried by the same trucks within his company’s Nigerian network, highlighting the scope for improvement.
He advocated digital platforms that connect manufacturers and cargo owners with verified transporters, allowing operators to identify available shipments and plan more productive journeys.
According to him, digital proof-of-delivery systems could also reduce payment processing time by as much as one week, helping transport operators manage their cash flow.
He identified compressed natural gas and electric-powered trucks as potential alternatives for reducing fuel and maintenance expenses but warned that inadequate infrastructure and financing could limit their adoption.
He said smaller transport operators could be left behind in the transition to cleaner energy unless they had access to affordable financing and dependable contracts from cargo owners.
During a panel discussion, Chief Operating Officer of Dukeridges, Mr Aanuoluwapo Agboola, said technology should serve as an instrument for gathering information, improving decision-making and reducing operational costs.
He advocated digital systems that match cargo owners with available trucks, while also drawing attention to the need for improved rail infrastructure and strategically located stations to support the movement of goods.
Similarly, Head of Logistics at Promasidor Nigeria Ltd., Mr Ibikunle Sodipo, identified timely delivery and shorter turnaround periods as important measures of performance in haulage operations.
He said stronger partnerships among companies could help transporters secure return loads and reduce losses associated with trucks travelling empty.
However, he stressed that trust and proper coordination were necessary to ensure that such arrangements worked effectively.
Managing Director of Trucksoft Logistics Telematics Services, Mr Oluwafemi Oladokun, described logistics capacity as an economic resource that should be properly managed through technology and coordinated industry participation.
He also identified driver management as a major operational concern, urging transport companies to ensure that drivers fulfilled their responsibilities.
Chief Executive Officer of Triple A Logistics, Mrs Omotunde Ogunbowale, emphasised teamwork, driver welfare and effective monitoring as important factors in improving delivery performance.
She said adequate rest was essential to driver safety and productivity, while electronic sign-in and sign-out procedures could strengthen accountability and improve the monitoring of haulage operations.
Earlier, the conference convener, Mr Alfred Okugbeni, called for wider technology adoption and stronger collaboration among stakeholders to address persistent inefficiencies in the sector.
He said digital platforms, fleet management systems and improved financial technology could help operators manage resources more effectively.
However, he cautioned that technological investment alone would not resolve the industry’s challenges without cooperation among manufacturers, cargo owners, transporters, freight forwarders, shippers, financiers, insurers, technology providers and government agencies.
The discussions highlighted the need for an integrated approach to logistics management, particularly as transportation costs continue to affect the movement and distribution of goods across Nigeria.
