At Boboye Oyeyemi’s Investiture, Fashola Sets Modern Logistics Tasks Ahead of CILT Nigeria

By DAPO OLAWUNI

Former Governor of Lagos State and immediate past Minister Minister of Works, Babatunde Fashola SAN, has set tasks before the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT Nigeria) under its new President, Dr Boboye Oyeyemi.

Fashola in a paper titled “Leadership, Innovation, and the Future of Logistics and Transport in a Rapidly Changing World” delivered at the Investiture of Boboye Oyeyemi as the 21st President of CILT Nigeria in Lagos on Thursday said that the Institute must ensure that Nigeria remains competitive in an increasingly interconnected world.

“As CILT Nigeria enters a new chapter under Dr. Oyeyemi’s leadership, the
responsibilities ahead are considerable. The Institute must now assume a central role in shaping the direction of logistics and transport in our nation, ensuring that Nigeria remains competitive in an increasingly interconnected world.

“A critical priority is the need to champion innovation and encourage the adoption of
emerging technologies. Intelligent transport systems, automated warehousing, smart traffic management, and data-led compliance frameworks are no longer futuristic concepts—they are the present realities that determine national competitiveness.

“CILT must guide the sector in embracing these advancements. Equally vital is the task of strengthening capacity development.

“The next generation of logistics professionals must be equipped with skills in areas such as geospatial intelligence, supply-chain analytics, port automation, drone logistics, and green mobility. The Institute can and should position itself as the continent’s centre of excellence for advanced training and knowledge-sharing” the former Minister stated

Fashola further noted that with Dr. Oyeyemi’s depth of experience, CILT is well positioned to lead discussions
that balance innovation with safety.

He said CILT must champion solutions tailored to Nigeria’s unique realities.

“Our challenges—congestion, infrastructure gaps, rural access—demand local insights. But our strengths—a young population, innovative entrepreneurs, and a growing digital economy—offer opportunities to design systems that respond effectively to national needs” he said

The world of logistics and transport according to Fashola, is undergoing rapid and unprecedented transformation, whereby Innovation now serves as the core engine driving global
competitiveness.

Technology has become the new infrastructure, reshaping how
goods are produced, stored, transported, paid for, and delivered.

“Across the globe, new models have emerged that define the future. Amazon’s use of predictive analytics, robotics, and artificial intelligence has reduced delivery times and optimised warehouse efficiency.

“Alibaba has demonstrated the power of automated sorting hubs and drone delivery systems capable of achieving same-day fulfilment across vast territories. DHL’s deployment of autonomous trolleys, robotic couriers, and smart warehouses illustrates how traditional industry players are reinventing themselves.

“Maersk’s digital cargo-tracking platforms allow customers to monitor shipments across oceans with unprecedented transparency and reliability.

“On the African continent and within Nigeria, similar transformations are taking root. Konga and Jumia have revolutionised local e-commerce, integrating fulfilment centres with payment platforms that build consumer trust and convenience. GIG Logistics has created dynamic networks enabling SMEs to move goods across Nigeria and beyond.

“Kobo360 is leveraging data to coordinate trucking logistics across West Africa,
reducing inefficiencies and boosting productivity. These examples illustrate a simple but powerful reality: logistics today is not merely about moving goods; it is about moving value, building trust, enhancing predictability, and meeting the rising expectations of consumers who now demand speed, transparency, and convenience as standard” he said

Oyeyemi and his executives were inaugurated on Thursday, November 27 2025 in Lagos.
He took over from Barr Mfon Usoro. This is even as the new leadership has pledged to build on the solid foundation laid down by the Usoro’s administration to make the Institute stronger and more impactful.