URBAN FREIGHT TRANSPORT AND LAST-MILE LOGISTICS IN NIGERIA: INFRASTRUCTURE, DIGITALIZATION AND SUSTAINABILITY CHALLENGES

Abstract

Urban freight transport and last-mile logistics are becoming increasingly important in Nigeria as e-commerce, urban growth and concentrated consumption generate more frequent and time-sensitive goods movements. This study reviews evidence on the infrastructure, digitalization, service-quality and sustainability factors shaping freight and last-mile performance in Nigeria. A structured narrative review was conducted in August 2026 using peer-reviewed studies located through publisher databases and web-indexed scholarly sources, together with authoritative institutional publications. Priority was given to literature published from 2020 to 2026. Eligible studies were coded under four themes: infrastructure and intermodal connectivity; digitalization and information visibility; operational efficiency and last-mile service quality; and sustainability, governance and institutional coordination. Findings show that road deterioration, port-hinterland bottlenecks, weak rail integration and cargo-handling constraints increase freight cost and unpredictability. Nigeria's 2023 Logistics Performance Index score of 2.6/5, with timeliness stronger than infrastructure, customs and logistics competence, further indicates persistent structural weaknesses. Digital tools support tracking, routing, electronic documentation, customer communication and load coordination, but their benefits depend on reliable infrastructure, data quality and organisational capability. Last-mile performance is additionally constrained by congestion, address verifiability and fragmented delivery operations. The review recommends coordinated road maintenance, stronger port-hinterland integration, freight-sensitive urban traffic management, interoperable digital freight platforms, improved addressing systems, consolidation facilities and targeted low-emission delivery pilots. The synthesis identifies the need for measurable indicators of cargo dwell time, corridor reliability, failed deliveries, empty running and emissions. It concludes that sustainable improvement requires integrated physical, digital and governance reforms rather than isolated technology adoption.