Nigeria’s transport system so far, has evolved into more advanced, modern, and efficient means of commuting, driven by innovation and technology-based platforms.
Moving around a city in Nigeria, which was either with personal cars or jumping public buses has now evolved into booking a ride with just one smartphone for both those with and without a car.
Today, smart mobility platforms and connected vehicles are making commuting more convenient and accessible through technology.
From e-hailing platforms to the rise of electric mobility, technology is changing the way Nigerians commute. Here’s how these innovations are transforming the nation’s transport ecosystem.
Electric, hybrid two & three wheelers
Rising petrol prices are fuelling interest and increasing the growth of these vehicles making different vehicle classes coexist and changing how Nigerians move, and how transport businesses operate.
Electric vehicles (EVs) run solely on electricity from a battery that is plugged in to charge, while hybrid vehicles (HEVs) use a combination of a gasoline engine and an electric motor, with the battery being recharged by the engine and through braking.
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are a third category that can be plugged in for a longer electric-only range but also have a gasoline engine for extended travel.
Their growing presence signals a shift toward cleaner, smarter, more sustainable mobility models, and these innovations are fostering new technical skills, research, and investment in green technology, which is gradually diversifying Nigeria’s transport system beyond traditional fuel distribution and maintenance.
Autonomous vehicles
Autonomous vehicles, also known as self-driving cars, use technology to operate with little or no human intervention, employing sensors, cameras, radar, and AI to perceive their environment and make driving decisions.
While Nigeria is still at an early stage in adopting this innovation, the concept is gradually influencing how stakeholders envision the future of mobility in the country.
They offer potential benefits like increased safety, improved traffic flow, and greater accessibility, but still face challenges related to safety, cost, and regulation.
Although Nigeria lacks the infrastructure and regulations required for full AV deployment, the gradual adoption of semi-autonomous technologies, such as driver-assist systems, lane detection, and adaptive cruise control, in newer vehicle models is laying the groundwork.
This evolution signals how automation is beginning to shape Nigeria’s journey toward safer, smarter, and more sustainable transport systems.
Ride-hailing platforms
Ride-hailing platforms are services that connect passengers with drivers through mobile apps for on-demand transportation.
They have become one of the most visible examples of how technology is transforming Nigeria’s transport ecosystem.
By connecting drivers and passengers through mobile apps, these platforms have digitised urban mobility, changing how Nigerians commute.
Through the use of GPS navigation, digital payments, and real-time ride tracking, ride-hailing technology has increased convenience and accessibility, allowing commuters to request rides on demand, and improved safety and accountability with driver ratings, trip tracking, and cashless payment options.
It has created new employment opportunities for thousands of drivers and vehicle owners, and encouraged innovation, with local startups developing specialised mobility services such as bike-hailing, carpooling, and corporate ride management.
AI driven traffic management
AI-driven traffic management uses cameras and sensors to collect real-time data, which machine learning algorithms then analyze to optimise traffic flow by dynamically adjusting traffic light timings.
This approach reduces wait times and congestion, improves travel speeds, decreases fuel consumption, and can even predict future congestion to allow for proactive management.
AI is increasingly becoming part of efforts to modernise Nigeria’s transport ecosystem, particularly through AI-driven traffic management systems.
Although still in early stages, the adoption of AI-driven traffic management shows how digital infrastructure and data analytics are beginning to transform Nigeria’s urban mobility, paving the way for smarter, safer, and more sustainable transport systems.
Intelligent transport system (ITS)
In Nigeria, especially in cities like Lagos and Abuja, are adopting smart cameras, surveillance networks, and route-mapping tools to address traffic congestion, track incidents, and manage emergency responses.
ITS solutions like smart cameras, digital road signs, speed sensors, and automated traffic reporting are helping cities modernise road management.
For example, the Lagos State Government has introduced digital traffic cameras, smart traffic lights, and a traffic control centre that uses live feeds to monitor vehicle movement and coordinate responses to incidents.
Digital ticketing & payments
Digital ticketing and payments are also transforming Nigeria’s transport ecosystem by replacing cash-based transactions with electronic, traceable, and more convenient payment methods across buses, ferries, and trains.
Common examples include mobile apps for booking tickets that can be paid for using a digital wallet or QR code, and contactless systems like NFC-enabled cards for public transport or even biometric payments.
These solutions aim to streamline the purchasing and access process, reduce fraud, and eliminate the need for physical tickets or cash.
In cities like Lagos, this shift is being driven by innovations such as the Cowry Card, a contactless payment system introduced by the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA).
Commuters can now pay seamlessly for BRT, ferry, and train rides using a single digital card or mobile app, eliminating the need for paper tickets or cash exchange.
SOURCE: BUSINESSDAY
