In 2024, Nigeria’s persistent inland logistics gaps became a central battleground for two distinct efforts to streamline commerce. While digital freight forwarder OnePort 365 expanded, Bilal Ajijola, CEO of TRÏNŪ Bonded Warehouse, articulated a vision for overcoming inefficiencies. This dual battle in Nigeria underscored the scale of the nation’s supply chain challenges.
OnePort 365, a digital freight forwarding company, raised $5 million in seed funding in January 2022. Their May 20, 2024, expansion into Ghana and Kenya aimed to simplify freight processes. This initiative sought to transform how African businesses managed their crucial shipments.
Addressing the Dual Battle in Nigeria’s Logistics
Nigeria’s economic progress often suffered from a labyrinthine logistics sector. Historically, businesses grappled with costs estimated at 40 to 60 percent of production in some sectors. This figure proved drastically higher than the global benchmark of 15 to 20 percent. Such a heavy burden chipped away at profitability and discouraged investment.
The core problem stemmed from inadequate infrastructure and operational inefficiencies. Poor road networks, congested seaports like Apapa — which once cost Nigeria an estimated $5.8 billion annually — and underdeveloped rail meant goods moved slowly and expensively. Businesses frequently encountered delays and multiple checkpoints, further inflating costs and transit times.
Damaged roads and unpaved routes also led to longer delivery times and increased product damage. Nigeria’s navigable inland waterways, such as the Niger and Benue Rivers, remained largely untapped for commercial freight. This fragmented system exacerbated the challenge of moving goods efficiently from ports to consumers.
The Historical Burden on Nigerian Trade
Nigeria’s logistical woes were not new; they represented a decades-long systemic issue. The lack of integrated transportation networks meant the country struggled to move goods from seaports to inland markets effectively. This problem deepened over many years, creating bottlenecks that severely hampered industrial growth and market access.
Cumbersome customs processes and manual clearance procedures compounded delays and elevated operating expenses. Rising insecurity also made the transport of goods risky. Companies often absorbed additional security costs or faced losses from theft and disruption, further complicating supply chain management.
This long-standing struggle had profound economic consequences. Experts at the 2026 Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) Nigeria National Conference estimated annual losses of N3.5 trillion to N5 trillion. These substantial losses resulted from post-harvest logistics failures alone, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive solutions.
A Digital Solution for Complex Routes
OnePort 365 positioned its digital platform to disrupt Nigeria’s long-standing logistical issues. The company, which secured $5 million in seed funding in January 2022, offered a suite of tools to streamline freight forwarding. Businesses accessed instant quotes, managed shipments, and tracked cargo in real-time.
The platform introduced digital payment options and connected users to an extensive network of carriers. This integration replaced fragmented, manual processes with a transparent, efficient system. Such digital solutions were key to overcoming geographical and infrastructural hurdles, reducing both cost and uncertainty for businesses.
Enabling Business Growth Through Efficiency
By simplifying Nigerian logistics, companies sought to enable businesses to re-focus on core competencies. Reduced logistical overheads and transit times translated directly into greater competitiveness, domestically and internationally. This goal aimed to foster innovation, production, and market expansion for Nigerian enterprises.
These improvements proved vital for Nigeria’s ambition to become a $1 trillion economy by 2030. They also supported the rapidly expanding e-commerce sector, valued at $2 billion. Efficient last-mile delivery and supply chain reliability underpinned this growth. Nigerian enterprises could finally move products with less friction.
A Broader Push for Integrated Logistics
OnePort 365’s expansion in 2024 mirrored a broader national awakening to Nigeria’s logistics crisis. Government bodies and industry leaders recognized the urgent need for systemic change. The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), for instance, moved to address rail connectivity and upgrade inland dry ports.
This followed a directive from Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, to transfer operational oversight of inland dry ports to the NPA. This aimed to better integrate port operations with inland distribution. The goal was to create an integrated system where infrastructure, operators, technology, and users were connected.
The commissioning of the Lekki Deep Sea Port, a $1.5 billion project, also represented a critical development in alleviating congestion at older facilities like Apapa Port. These large-scale infrastructure projects provided a vital backdrop for digital solutions like OnePort 365, a contrast to past instances of systemic fraud.
Shaping Nigeria’s Logistical Future
The efforts in 2024, including OnePort 365’s expansion, were more than business moves. They represented a push towards a more connected, prosperous Nigeria. Tackling logistical chokepoints aimed to unlock latent economic potential. This benefited countless businesses and consumers across the nation.
This digital-first approach offered a compelling pathway for Nigeria to overcome infrastructure deficits. Strategic private sector interventions drove profound change. Even complex problems in Nigeria’s trade landscape found innovative solutions. The focus remained on allowing Nigerian businesses to thrive, aligning with ambitious economic development goals.
