With increased foreign vehicles, Gambia’s transport system risks collapse – President warns

In an interview with The Point, he warned that unless urgent regulatory action is taken, the sector risks collapse, with dire consequences for revenue, employment and national security.

According to Mr Ceesay, foreign passenger vehicles operating in The Gambia are negatively affecting day-to-day transport operations, creating unfair competition and undermining local livelihoods. 

He argued that while The Gambia is a member of regional and international trade frameworks, Gambian transporters are not benefiting in practice, particularly in the free movement of services. “We don’t have access to their economies, but they have full access to ours,” he said, describing the situation as unjust and unsustainable.

He cited restrictions imposed by neighbouring countries such as Senegal, Guinea Conakry and Guinea Bissau on Gambian passenger vehicles, while The Gambia continues to allow vehicles from those countries to operate freely. “That is not fair. Even at ECOWAS, WTO and AfCFTA levels, this is an issue,” he stressed.

To address the problem, Mr Ceesay said the GTU, through its 2025 town hall resolutions, submitted proposals to government to regulate foreign passenger transport. “One key proposal is the creation of a central terminal at Basse for foreign vehicles, limiting their operations within the country and allowing Gambian transporters to benefit from domestic routes.”

He explained that many foreign vehicles enter The Gambia under transit arrangements but illegally pick up and drop passengers in towns such as Brikama, Bundung and Serrekunda. “Economy-wise, that’s not good for our country,” he stated, noting that vehicles on transit are not taxed, leading to significant revenue losses for government.

Beyond revenue, Mr Ceesay highlighted serious security concerns. He questioned what goods these vehicles bring in, where they terminate and who monitors them. He recalled that irregular migration by road had previously passed through Gambian borders, underscoring the need for tighter controls.

Despite these challenges, he said the union believes regulation, not confrontation, is the solution. He confirmed that government has responded positively to GTU’s proposals, with feedback received from the Ministry of Transport, cabinet members and even the President. An MOU has since been signed and a technical committee formed to oversee implementation, although he expressed frustration with delays. “Government bureaucracy is slow. We  need fast action,” he said.

On the wider transport sector, Mr Ceesay noted that conditions have improved compared to previous years, but regulation remains the biggest challenge. He pointed out that existing traffic laws date back to 1948 and are outdated, thus failing to address modern transport realities such as fare manipulation and passenger movement. A new transport bill, he said, is on its way to cabinet and will be more inclusive.

He also raised concerns about poor road maintenance, rising fuel prices, outdated vehicles and lack of proper garages. Fuel alone, he said, accounts for over 80 percent of operational costs, yet agreed fare adjustments have not been implemented despite sharp price increases.

On vehicle safety, Mr Ceesay stressed that human error accounts for about 95 percent of road crashes, mainly due to overspeeding. He called for proper vehicle testing centres, realistic national standards and investment in newer vehicles through partnerships with banks and donors.

In his message to transport workers, he urged discipline, respect for traffic rules and prioritising safety. “The road belongs to all of us,” he said, calling for collective responsibility among drivers, police and pedestrians.

His final message to government was progress has been made, but efforts must be doubled. “Transport reform is a game changer for The Gambia, and continued delays cost lives, jobs and national development.”