CILT 2024 Conference to Focus on Transforming Nigeria’s Transportation and Logistics Systems

—Oyetola, Keyamo, Umahi Others Expected to Grace Event

By DAPO OLAWUNI

The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT Nigeria) is set to hold its 2024 Conference and Annual General Meeting which is targeted as transforming Nigeria’s transportation and logistics systems, as well as easing congestion on Nigerian roads.

In a pre-event press conference held on Thursday, the Chairman of the CILT 2024 Conference Planning Committee, Professor Kayode Oyesiku, outlined the ambitious goals for this year’s national conference and Annual General Meeting (AGM). Scheduled for October 8-9, 2024, at the Nicon Luxury Hotel in Abuja, the event will revolve around the theme: “Transforming Nigeria’s Transportation and Logistics Systems for Development.”

According to him, the 2024 conference would be graced by the Global President of CILT, Chief Teete Owusu-Nortey, Nigerian Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, as well as Dr George Banjo as Guests speaker.

At the opening ceremony, Prof Oyesiku said the Honorable Ministers for Transportation, Sen. Said Alkali, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo as well as Minister for Works and Housing, David Umahi would give goodwill messages.
Along with these, there would be research papers from academia as well as agencies where logistics is taking place, including NIMASA, NPA, Shippers Council among others.

Professor Oyesiku expressed his gratitude to the national President of the Institute, Barrister Mfon Usoro, and the entire Conference Planning Committee (CPC), particularly praising the local planning committee from Abuja for their dedication over the past nine months.

“This year’s national conference focuses on a theme that is designed to support and complement the Federal Government’s efforts to transform the transportation and logistics systems of the country,” Oyesiku stated. He emphasized the conference’s role in leveraging the transformative power of technology to revolutionize Nigeria’s transportation and logistics sector for sustainable development.

Oyesiku highlighted the critical role of transportation and logistics as the backbone of any economy, pointing out the current challenges facing Nigeria, such as inefficiencies, congestion, and inadequate infrastructure.

He noted that the conference would bring together transportation and logistics professionals, experts, and thought leaders to discuss strategies for overcoming these challenges.

“In like manner, the 2024 conference is bringing together transportation and logistics professionals, experts, thought leaders, academics, and industry frontline chief executives to advance strategies towards leveraging technology to optimize transportation infrastructure, enhancing logistics operations through data analytics, and fostering digital innovation in supply chain management,” Oyesiku remarked.

The conference is expected to draw a significant number of participants, building on the success of previous years. Over 500 delegates attended the 2023 conference, representing various sectors within the transport and logistics industries, and even more are anticipated this year. “The popularity of the CILT Conference is growing every year,” Oyesiku observed, expressing optimism about the increasing interest from different segments of the industry, academia, and government.

The two-day event will feature a diverse array of activities, including discussion panels, scientific paper presentations, and guided tours. Notably, delegates will have the opportunity to participate in the Abuja Light Rail Revolution Tour, which includes a visit to the passenger facilities at Abuja City and the International Airport terminal.

Additionally, the Abuja Green Wheels in Motion Electric Car Showcase tour will provide insights into the city’s electric vehicle initiatives.

Professor Oyesiku extended an invitation to all stakeholders in the transportation and logistics sectors to attend the conference. “I implore you to be part of the gathering that will contribute to implementing integrated strategies that can develop modern transportation infrastructure to support the economic growth and industrial development of this great country,” he said.

Also speaking during the press conference, President of CILT Nigeria, Mrs Mfon Usoro said CILT Nigeria 2024 is focusing on all modes of transportation.

“The world is moving towards available, accessible and affordable transport system which means that all the modes of transportation must come into play

“CILT does advocacy for the government and from the issues highlighted at the last two conferences that have been held 2022 and 2023, we have continued to engage with the government.

“We have also issued press releases on topical issues that affects Nigerians where we think the regulator needs to pay attention.
For CILT, it is not only advocacy to the government, there are programs targeted at benefitting our members, from the conference held last year, all of us, including the next generation have benefitted, our members have used the knowledge that they gained in their operations. The institute also offer course for advanced diplomas on specific transportation sector” she said

She assured that from the array of presentations and speakers lined up, the 2034 conference would be better than that of last year.