The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport Nigeria (CILT-N) recently rose from its 2022 National Conference and Annual General Meeting with profound suggestions on how to tackle the challenges facing the sector.
Held at Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, the two-day conference under the theme, ‘Sustainable Innovations in Global Logistics and Transport’ witnessed the congregation of high fliers in the transport and logistics, led by CILT International, President-Elect, Chief Teete Owusu Nortey.
In her address, delivered virtually, CILT-N President, Barrister Mfon Ekong Usoro commended the National Council and Conference Committee for the outcome of the conference which she said was of international standards.
She said that the fact that conference went ahead despite her being physically present confirmed the maturity of CILT-N as an institution.
Former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Chief Adebayo Sarumi, who delivered the keynote address, said the theme of the conference was not only apt but global, explaining that the logistics and transport sector has become key drivers of the economy globally while undergoing transformation.
“Transport infrastructure remains germane to the promotion of economic growth, improved standard of living, poverty reduction, enhanced productivity and improved competitiveness. Nigeria is currently faced with huge infrastructural gaps that have hindered its desire to exploit her rich natural and human resources”, he said.
He said that a comprehensive evaluation of the institutions and parties that drive and participate in the transportation value chain was required. “Government institutions as well as private institutions and parties must key into a common agenda and demonstrate professional competencies; they must give proof of clear understanding of issues, show willingness and passion to perform synergistically and efficiently. In most cases, the reasons for poor performances can be traced to institutions that lack clear mandate and are not properly aligned to common policy objectives”, Sarumi further said.
In his goodwill message, Nortey commended the excellent organisation of the event as reflected in its oversubscription. He singled out some members for adding value to the Nigeria branch of CILT which, he said, has earned Nigeria territory status.
He expressed gratitude to Nigeria for supporting his presidential ambition and promised to foster inclusiveness during the tenure of his presidency.
Goodwill messages were delivered by representatives of the Dangote Group and the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology, Zaria who centered their messaging around the theme of the conference.
The Minister for Transportation, Engr. Mu’azu Sambo, who was represented, said the Federal Government is making efforts to establish critical transport infrastructure to facilitate transportation and logistics in the country.
In one of the technical sessions on “De-Carbonisation in Transport”, panelists dwelled on greenhouse emissions by vehicles, trains, and aircraft; greenhouse emissions and taxing; greenhouse emissions by vessels as well as alternative energy sources. The other session was about leveraging technology in haulage operations.
In paper presented on her behalf, the lead speaker Ambassador (Mrs) Anthonia Ekpa, who is a Fellow of the Institute on De-Carbonization in Transport, said the urgency in de-carbonisation stems from the fact that the earth is getting overheated through human activities warranting concerted and collaborative efforts to save the future of the planet.
She made feasible suggestions on how to reduce carbon emissions globally.
Papers were also presented by Assistant Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Commissioner, Dr Kayode Olagungu, who is also the Commandant of the FRSC Academy in Udi, Enugu.
He recommended that the government should provide a conducive environment for companies in the sector to participate in technological innovation. He called for better funding Strategic Traffic Information (STI) agencies like the National Information Technology Development Agency.
Olagunju also suggested that companies should get more involved in the provision of technological innovations and lap on the benefits of STI training institutions.
