The Managing Director of Primero Transport Service Limited, Mr. Fola Tinubu, has called on all tiers of government to develop proactive policies and business frameworks that will make public transportation more appealing to investors and ensure its long-term profitability.
Speaking on the state of Nigeria’s public transport sector, Mr. Tinubu emphasized that sustainable transport systems are critical to the economic development and urban mobility of any nation, especially one as densely populated and rapidly expanding as Nigeria.
“Public transportation should not be seen merely as a social service. For it to thrive and remain efficient, it must also be treated as a business that can yield returns,” Tinubu said.
“Governments at all levels — federal, state, and local — must create enabling environments, from policy reforms to regulatory incentives, that encourage private sector investment in the transportation industry.”
He noted that countries with efficient and reliable mass transit systems have achieved such successes by integrating private capital into infrastructure development, service management, and operational efficiency through public-private partnerships (PPPs).
Mr. Tinubu, whose company operates the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system across key routes in Lagos, highlighted some of the challenges facing private operators.
These include inadequate funding, inconsistent policy implementation, foreign exchange instability, and fuel subsidy issues — all of which threaten the viability and expansion of public transport networks.
According to him, “We need clarity, consistency, and commitment from the government. If investors see that they can recoup their investments in a predictable, stable, and regulated environment, they will come.”
He further advocated for innovations such as tax holidays, low-interest transport development loans, and investment guarantees to spur private sector participation.
As urban centers continue to expand, the need for reliable public transportation becomes increasingly urgent. Mr. Tinubu stressed that a modern and inclusive transit system will reduce traffic congestion, lower emissions, and increase productivity, all while creating jobs and boosting economic activities.
Primero Transport Service Limited remains a key player in Lagos’ evolving transportation landscape, and Mr. Tinubu reaffirmed the company’s commitment to delivering safe, affordable, and efficient services to the public — provided that the necessary support from policymakers is in place.
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