COVID-19: Four major challenges facing Nigeria's transport industry

Nigeria has a transport problem, long before the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.

However, many recent initiatives by the government and the private sector, for instance, the renewed interest in the rail system, the surge in the introduction of ride-hailing and delivery services, etc., have shown gradual development in the sector.

Sadly, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused another huge setback as the Nigerian government introduced various stringent measures in a bid to contain the infectious disease.

Both the federal and state governments have introduced lockdown which has significantly caused huge challenges in the transportation sector.

This piece examines some challenges the coronavirus pandemic has caused in the transport sector.

1. Train shutdown

The Nigerian Railway Service has shut down train operations in places where they are currently operating to avoid COVID-19 contagion.

This has not only affected the little revenues the government is making from the train services but also paralysed all the businesses conducted around train services.

2. Shutdown of public buses

The public buses have been banned from operations especially in Lagos, Ogun and the Federal Capital Territory.

Investors in the public road transport are now on the losing side; there is a huge loss of income by drivers, bus conductors and commercial vehicle owners who depend on daily earning from the bus services.

3. Airports closure

To avoid further importation of the virus, the nation's airports have also been closed. Airline operations and other businesses conducted around airports have been grounded.

For instance, Nigerian aviation company Arik Air has reportedly concluded plans to slash its workers’ salaries for the month of April by 80%, according to Premium Times.

The airline also wants that 90% of its staff to commence compulsory leave without pay effective 1st May 2020.

4. Ban on inter-state travels

To curb state-to-state spread of COVID-19, state governors have also agreed to ban inter-state travels for two weeks.

When this restriction commences, it will further burden the road transport sector, forcing many drivers out of work and leaving investors without any gain.

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Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the presidential committee on the impact of the coronavirus on Nigeria’s economy disclosed that the Nigerian economy is facing serious challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The committee made the disclosure on Thursday, April 2, after a meeting with President Muhammdu Buhari in Abuja where the president was briefed on current happenings around the world due to COVID-19 and its impact on the country’s economy.

Timipre Sylva, the minister of state for petroleum resources, who is also a member of the committee, said the Nigerian economy was not in the best shape due to falling oil prices caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

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Source: Legit.ng