The appointment was announced in a statement issued on Wednesday by Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the minister.

AfDB also confirmed that a Letter of Intent between the bank and Nigeria will be signed during its Annual Meetings in Brazzaville on 28 May 2026.

The programme is designed to enhance Africa’s aviation sector through investment, regulatory alignment and skills development.

AfDB said the selection of Festus Keyamo shows Nigeria’s role in ongoing aviation reforms and its growing influence in regional air transport policy.

In the statement, the bank also set out the funding structure and ambition of the initiative. “This is the Integrated Aviation Transformation Program for Africa (IATP) for which it has earmarked the sum of $7 billion (Seven Billion Dollars),” the statement read in part.

The initiative will draw funding from private investors, institutional capital and concessional sources. AfDB said the aim is to improve connectivity across the continent and make air transport more efficient and competitive.

Africa’s aviation sector is heavily underdeveloped relative to global demand. African airlines account for less than 3% of global air traffic, despite the continent making up close to 18% of the world’s population.

The gap has long been an issue of concern around limited connectivity, high operating costs and weak route integration between countries.

AfDB’s programme focuses on three main areas.

First, it targets the full operationalisation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), an African Union initiative under Agenda 2063. SAATM is meant to open up African skies, reduce restrictions on air travel between member states and improve regional connectivity.

Second, it aims to strengthen aviation safety oversight and regulatory systems. Many African countries still operate under fragmented safety frameworks, which affect airline performance and investor confidence.

Third, it focuses on developing aviation skills and workforce capacity. The bank said this is necessary to support long-term growth in airline operations, airport management and regulatory institutions across the continent.

Nigeria is one of 34 African countries that have signed up to SAATM. These countries represent more than 80% of Africa’s aviation market.

However, implementation has remained uneven, with slow progress on full liberalisation of air travel between participating states.

AfDB officials said the transformation plan also seeks to improve access to aircraft financing and upgrade airport infrastructure. It is also aligned with efforts to make aviation development more climate-conscious while encouraging private sector participation.

Keyamo’s appointment places Nigeria at the centre of continental discussions on aviation reform. The AfDB said it selected him based on what it described as Nigeria’s policy direction and reform efforts within its aviation sector.

Nigeria has recently pushed changes around airport infrastructure, airline regulation and operational standards, building itself to become a regional hub in West Africa.

The appointment is also expected to strengthen coordination between African states as the AfDB pushes for a more unified aviation market.

Stakeholders have long argued that fragmented air routes and high inter-country travel costs continue to limit trade, tourism and economic integration across the continent.

With the Brazzaville meeting approaching, attention will turn to how quickly member states move from policy commitments to implementation.

The signing of the Letter of Intent is expected to formalise Nigeria’s role in the programme and set out the next phase of engagement between AfDB and participating countries.

The election, conducted fully online, recorded one of the highest turnouts in the institute’s recent history.

Out of 348 registered members, 314 were accredited to vote, and 301 valid ballots were counted. Oyeyemi secured 177 votes, defeating Anthony Onoharigho Akpoje, who polled 124. The results were confirmed by Rakiya Nuhu, Chairperson of the 2025 National Council Election Committee.

“Accordingly, Dr. Boboye Oyeyemi, FCILT is hereby declared the duly elected National President of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) Nigeria for the 2025–2027 term,” she announced.

Other council positions, including those of Vice Presidents, Mode Representatives, and the Diversity & Inclusion Officer, were returned unopposed.

Juliana Saka was returned as Deputy National President with 284 votes, while the vice presidencies went to Sani Mathew (North, 233 votes), Dr Monday Ezechukwu (East, 234 votes), and Elisha Ebah (West, 238 votes). 

Mode representatives included Dr Ajao Oluseyi for Logistics and Supply Chain, Salim Bello for Maritime, Dr William Odemwingie for Pipeline, Abdulganiyu Tijani for Road, Dauda Olabayo for Railway, and Rosemary Audu for Aviation, who polled one of the highest votes with 273. 

In addition, Queen Ajayi was chosen as Diversity and Inclusion Leader, securing 279 votes. The newly elected officers will be sworn in at the Institute’s Annual General Meeting on October 23, 2025 at the Civic Centre, Lagos.

Transformation Agenda: CILT Nigeria Finetuned

Oyeyemi’s presidency will be driven by a reform blueprint tagged “CILT Nigeria Finetuned”. The programme sets commendable targets:

• Growing membership by 60% and doubling corporate participation in four years.
• Establishing a Road Transport Sector Council to improve collaboration with regulators such as FRSC and transport unions.
• Introducing bridging courses and professional conversion tracks for fleet managers, safety officers, and logistics SMEs.
• Deploying “Transport Champions” in every Nigerian state to mentor and recruit new members.

The agenda shows a vision to place Nigeria at the top when it comes to logistics, professional training, and transport standards. It also aligns with CILT International’s broader objectives and the West African Road Safety Organisation (WARSO), where Oyeyemi has long played a central role.

Track Record in Public Service

Before this election, Oyeyemi had built a reputation as a reformer. During his tenure at the FRSC, the agency became the first law enforcement institution in Africa to earn ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System certification. The World Bank later named the FRSC “the best example of a road safety lead agency in Africa.”

His leadership also saw Nigeria consolidate its influence within WARSO, strengthening regional cooperation on traffic safety and logistics development.

Oyeyemi, who holds a doctorate in public administration, has been recognised with multiple awards, including the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2006, the National Productivity Order of Merit (2015), and the LEADERSHIP Newspaper’s Public Officer of the Year Award in the same year.

Continuity and Expansion

Dr Oyeyemi succeeds Mfon Usoro, who broadened CILT Nigeria’s reach through advocacy, professional development, and gender inclusion initiatives. His presidency is expected to deepen partnerships with government, academia, unions, and international development agencies, while also enhancing digital platforms for training and certification.

For CILT Nigeria members, the expectation is that Oyeyemi must turn his track record in reform and standard-setting into measurable results that can reposition the sector locally and globally.

As of February 2025, Nigeria was home to over 430 fintech startups, making it one of the top countries in Africa for fintech innovation. In 2024, the sector attracted over $2 billion, as revealed in the 2024 Economic Report by the Office of the Special Adviser to Nigeria’s President on Economic Affairs (in the Office of the Vice President), dated November 2024. 

The digital payments market is projected to reach a total transaction value of $20.37 trillion by 2025. However, over 28 million of Nigeria’s population are still financially excluded, stressing a gap between fintech solutions and their economic impact.

The fintech surge is sweeping through the country, every corner seems to have a new app promising to help you send money, pay bills, or manage your finances. If you didn’t know any better, you’d think we were all rich by now, or at least financially savvy.

But let’s pause for a moment and consider the state of things. Despite the millions flowing into fintech, Nigeria’s infrastructure is still a disaster. We still have terrible roads, many fuming about how the healthcare system failed certain individuals, and lots of people without access to basic services like clean water and reliable electricity.

What good are mobile wallets when you can’t even get reliable internet in many parts of the country? How does digital payment help a farmer who can’t even get his crops to market because of the poor roads? We’ve hit a point where payments and wallets are no longer enough. It’s time we shifted focus to something way beyond—real infrastructure.

Fintech in Nigeria is big. It’s loud. It’s enticing. With startups like Paystack, Flutterwave, and OPay raising millions, you’d think we were on the brink of solving all financial challenges. 

Sure, it’s impressive—no one can deny that Nigerian fintech has grown into a powerful sector, with billions flowing in and digital payments becoming commonplace. But then, in the run to be the next big fintech unicorn, we’ve forgotten about everything else.

Truth be told, fintech is not a panacea. It might solve a part of the equation, but what happens when you fix payments but ignore the roads that get goods to market or the lack of access to basic healthcare? There’s a difference between convenience and systemic change. 

You can’t buy a road or build a hospital with a few clicks on your mobile wallet. Yet, somehow, that’s the narrative we’ve embraced—that as long as we have payment solutions, we’ve got it all figured out.

The Real Infrastructure Gaps in Nigeria

When you walk through Lagos or any major Nigerian city, you can see the divide between the fintech growth and the daily struggles of Nigerians. Let’s start with healthcare. Nigeria’s healthcare system is still in shambles despite innovations, and fintech solutions like mobile health apps are great, but they only scratch the surface. 

You need more than just a payment system to solve the issues. You need a network of well-funded hospitals, efficient health insurance, and accessible treatments for all. The kind of infrastructure that tech solutions can help build—but only if the focus moves away from just mobile payments.

Take transport. Anyone who’s tried to get through Lagos during rush hour knows how bad it is. It’s not just frustrating, it’s dangerous. Ride-hailing services like Uber or Bolt have made a difference, but they can only do so much when the infrastructure they depend on is barely functional. 

Poor roads, no traffic management, and outdated public transport systems all contribute to chaos on the streets. So, why isn’t tech doing something about this? Imagine smart traffic management systems, GPS-based public transport, or even digital tolls to ease congestion. These are the real changes that could change lives. But instead, we’re stuck in a loop of wallet apps and online payments.

Let’s not forget agriculture. Nigeria’s agricultural sector has lots of untapped potential, but it’s held back by poor infrastructure. Fintech might help farmers with digital transactions or access to microloans, but what happens when they can’t get their goods to market because of unreliable roads or lack of access to irrigation systems? Without the infrastructure to support it, all the fintech in the world won’t change the reality of Nigeria’s farmers.

The Case for Diversified Tech Investments

It’s time for tech to be broadened in Nigeria. Imagine an aggregate of startups equally focused on every sector, no aspect left out. 

While fintech has undoubtedly created an exciting industry, we need more than just digital wallets to move forward. What we need is a movement towards real infrastructure including healthcare, agriculture, transport and energy. 

It’s simple — tech is the solution, but it needs to be targeted at the real issues. Fintech is just one piece of the puzzle. And while it has its place, it can’t be the end-all-be-all solution. The focus needs to move towards building infrastructure that goes beyond supporting daily life to driving economic growth. Nigeria needs tech-driven solutions that address real, pressing issues like roads, healthcare, and energy.

If we want to build a country that thrives, we have to start with the basics. The infrastructure must come first, not just the apps.

The Economic and Social Value of Building Infrastructure

We usually talk about economic growth as though it happens in isolation. But the truth is, real growth comes from a thriving infrastructure—one that can handle the demands of a growing population, a diverse economy, and a dynamic digital world. 

Investing in infrastructure tech means not only boosting productivity but creating long-term job opportunities across various sectors, including construction, healthcare and tech. Imagine the job creation potential from building tech solutions for transport systems, smart cities, or sustainable agriculture.

The social impact is even higher. Tech infrastructure can reduce inequality by making essential services accessible to all Nigerians, not just those in urban areas with fast internet and mobile phones. From rural healthcare to improved farming techniques, tech can reach the farthest corners of the country, changing lives in ways that fintech alone cannot.

To make this happen, we need more than just private sector investment. The Nigerian government needs to step in with strong policies and incentives for infrastructure-driven tech. 

Public-private partnerships (PPPs) can be key in driving this forward. They can bring together the innovation of the tech sector with the experience and resources of the public sector to create sustainable solutions for healthcare, transport, and agriculture.

Also, we must invest in research and development to create scalable solutions that can be adopted across the country. We’ve seen how much can be achieved when the right partnerships are made; now it’s time to apply that energy to infrastructure. If we want tech to truly transform Nigeria, we need a long-term vision that goes beyond the quick wins of the fintech sector.

We’ve had our fun with fintech, but now it’s time to get serious. The sustainability of Nigeria doesn’t lie in the number of digital wallets we have or how many transactions we can process per second. It lies in building infrastructure that addresses real needs, improves lives, and drives sustainable economic growth. 

The fintech space may be overcrowded, but the field is still wide open for tech-driven infrastructure solutions. If we can get that right, we’ll be well on our way to creating a Nigeria that works for everyone, not just those with a smartphone and an internet connection.

It’s time to think bigger, think longer-term, and start building the real infrastructure that this country needs.

The fare increased from N460.00 to N700.00 due to the new tariff, which went into effect on Tuesday.

The organization and its passengers are at odds over the new fare policy after many claimed that the old price was careless and used to be thrown on them without warning.

The administration, according to the passengers, was more interested in running the narrow-gauge trains for profit than in catering to the needs of the mass-transit riders.

They started the accessible instruct was once barely in a position to cater for the surge and queried why no strive had been made in the final decade to add or restore any of the historic locomotive coaches, to add to the two that had been working.

Lagos Railway District Manager Tony Arase, said the first phase of six coaches was being refurbished at Iddo and Loco workshops, noting that “as soon as work on the coaches is completed, they will be attached to the existing coaches in the corporation’s fleet.”

He said after the first phase, another batch of six coaches would be removed from operation and sent to the workshops for refurbishing so as not to utterly ground train operation.

TechEconomy understands that one of the major factors that contribute to the hike in fares is the cost of diesel because trains require diesel to operate.

The cost of diesel has gone up by more than three times and it is costing us to mount human and material security that it requires to keep the trains operating.

Ademola Adegoroye, Minister of State for Transportation, stated this at a press conference on Wednesday following the council meeting presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

He stated that the devices had become necessary due to the need to advance the security of lives and property in the nation’s railway facilities and the sector’s railway revolution.

The FEC also approved the N6.278 billion naira maintenance of the pavement of the third mainland bridge, to be completed within 24 months.

This was announced on Tuesday in Lagos by the state commissioner for transportation, Dr. Frederic Oladeinde.

The State Government Took The Decision As A Move To Ease The Cash Crunch On Its Citizens As A Result Of The Central Bank of Nigeria’s Naira Redesign Policy, He Added, Noting That The Exercise Commenced Last Saturday And Is Currently Continuing.

The commissioner stated that fines would be dropped and vehicles seized for minor traffic infractions would be released to their owners.

He said, “There are some people that committed offenses during that period and we understand the fact that money wasn’t easy to come by.

“Looking at the governor’s magnanimity, the governor has deemed it fit to ensure that people who committed crimes within that period and wanted to pay or couldn’t pay as a result of the shortage of cash, should come and pick up their cars and he has waved the fines.

“Mind you, that does not include major crimes committed. These are just minor traffic offenses that have been committed in Lagos and this is showing empathy and trying to understand that look, we understand how difficult it has been and it is not a reason for us to stop you from making ends meet and so hence the governor’s magnanimity.

All those who have committed a crime within that period should come and pick up their cars, that doesn’t mean people should continue to offend and so right now, what we are doing is to caution them not to commit the offense again.”

Recall that the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, had introduced palliative measures to cushion the effect of the naira redesign policy on residents in the state by slashing the BRT fares by 50 percent.

The commissioner further stated, “When you look at what the governor proposed, especially during the cash crunch period, we have reduced public transport fares by 50 percent. So when you go on our BRTs and all the Lagos state-funded public transport, including Lag Ride, we have reduced the fare by 50 percent just to alleviate the suffering of our people.

“Apart from that, moving away from transport, we have opened up food banks in certain areas. So we’re beginning to give out palliative just to ensure that people get through this cash crunch period.

“We’re happy that APC has won at the national level and we are beginning to see some of these policies being reversed.

“So we’re hoping that in a short time, life would return to normal.”

Hirohide Ichikawa, the managing director of Honda Nigeria Limited, announced the new product as “extremely reliable for commercial and private use” during his keynote talk.

The new Honda Unicorn, he continued, “was produced using the same cutting-edge precision technology that is synonymous with the Honda brand, and its unique and remarkable features make it the greatest in its class.”

According to him, the Honda Unicorn is designed to perfection after extensive engagement with Honda’s business partners, the distribution value chain, and personal users, adding that the motorcycle is popular in India and the Middle

East where the company recorded sales of more than 150,000 units in a year.

Ichikawa explained that the company decided to launch the Honda Unicorn despite the current economic climate in Nigeria.

“We are particularly proud that the Honda Unicorn is being launched today under the present difficult operating terrain in Nigeria. This doesn’t only symbolizes the hope for a better future but also expresses our continued belief and trust in the Nigerian dream,” he added

In a presentation, the company’s sales manager, Olabade Badejo, stated that the Unicorn motorcycle stands out because it is practical for riders and that its parts are readily available.

“It offers superior quality and durability and has the lowest fuel usage. It is pretty valuable at resale.

The motorcycle is marketed to individual and business clients, the company claims. It may also be used by bank dispatch riders, delivery companies, businesses, leisure riders, and security agencies for patrol.

Stating further that Honda motorcycles are used in over 175 countries, Badejo accentuated the company’s plan to commence safety riding training in April 2023 to improve the riding skills of riders, increase profitability and boost the safety image of the organization.

He added that the training would be focused on riding mechanisms, accident, and responsibility, cornering postures, balancing, and braking systems.

This comes just a few days after the NRC halted operations on the route due to a train disaster.

In a statement issued on Monday, Niyi Alli, NRC’s director of operations, announced the restoration of Abuja-Kaduna train services.

“The board and management of Nigerian Railway Corporation are pleased to announce the recommencement of the Abuja-Kaduna train service,” the statement reads.

“The service was suspended on January 27, due to the derailment that occurred at Kubwa station on the same date.

“Subsequently, the service will resume on January 31, with the following daily schedule — KA2 departs Rigasa at 0700; AK1 departs Idu at 10.00; KA4 departs Rigasa at 13.00; AK3 departs Idu at 16.00.

“However, on Wednesdays, only KA2 will depart Rigasa at 0700 and AK 3 will depart Idu at 16.00.”

Alli also said NRC “regrets any inconvenience the corporation’s passengers might have experienced as a result of the temporary suspension of the service.”

Abimbola Akinajo who leads as the Managing Director of Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), during a panel session at the Africa Mobility Conference in Eko Hotel, said the government was very much concerned about the future of transportation. 

She revealed that the government plans to complete both the blue and red metro lines this year, to meet the demand of road passengers.

She also added that the yearns for a transport sector driven by technology, where individuals and groups of people can easily engage, track and plan their movements via public and private mobility means by simply engaging their phones.

According to MD LAMATA, future mobility must speak to the ease of mobility by leveraging technology to drive physical infrastructure.

She said all transportation modes such as land, water, and rail must be fully integrated and driven by technology. 

My vision for me is to have a fully integrated transport system by ensuring that road, rail, and water are connected through technology without hassle within a short timeframe. 

“Think of the ease of mobility, so we can’t take away technology from it. We will continue to drive physical infrastructure, which must be aided and completely driven by technology.” 

In another conference, she said, “A study conducted on the red line says it should serve a million passengers, while the blue line should serve 750,000 passengers a day.”

The LAMATA boss also noted that the rail lines would not only be sustainable but would also reduce carbon emissions greatly when they begin operations.

She noted that the blue rail line would be electric, while the engine of the red line, though would run on diesel, can be converted to electric to tie into the plan of reducing combustion in the mega city.

Akinajo explained that building the rail lines had not been so smooth as the workers encountered many challenges in the process.

“Lagos Is a small land area and it is highly populated. The first challenge is securing the right of way. However, securing your corridor is a big challenge.”

She mentioned that the cost of the rail line and every other thing involved in it was also another challenge the authority faced. An example, she added, was that workers had to be very cautious while building the tracks in order not to destroy public utilities like underground pipes.

“We are sharing the track with the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) on the red line from Agbado to Ebute Meta. And then we would be building our own independent track from Ebute Meta to Oyingbo. The final one is when we move from Oyingbo to Marina.”

The LAMATA boss advocated for rail as the best form of mass transit transportation. She said the government was committed to completing all rail projects, as well as the monorail it promised. This development, she said, would bring about more jobs.