CILT To Become Information Hub For Logistics In Nigeria

 The National President of the Chartered Institute of Transport and Logistics (CILT), Mr. Ibrahim Jibril has promised that CILT would become the statistics resource centre for the logistics and transport sector in Nigeria in order to keep records of the developments and other happenings in the sector.

Ibrahim Jibril said this during the 20th investiture ceremony of the National Council and induction of newly elected members of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) Nigeria, which took place recently at the Colonades Hotel, Ikoyi, Lagos.

Jibril lamented that the lack of statistics in the logistics and transport sector in Nigeria has deprived the nation of the requisite knowledge needed for developing the sector.

“One of the problems we have in Nigeria’s logistics and transport sector is the unavailability of statistics to quantify losses as a result of policies. CILT is going to come up with statistical data for Nigeria.

“This would help the government for the purposes of planning, making investments as well as attracting direct foreign investment into the nation. It will also help us in planning for infrastructural development as well because right now we have so many challenges” Jibril said.

However, Jibril commended the newly inducted fellows and council members, saying that most of them have been responsible for the development of the roads, railways, piping and water transportation in the country.

“We have intellectuals and professionals in this body and we are recognizing them and bringing them together to ensure that they make contributions to the policies of the government and also make input in the development of logistics and transport in Nigeria” Jibril said.

In his opening remarks, Jibril restated his commitment to the promises he made to members to earn their mandate among which is the final push to conclusion of the CILT charter bill, which is currently in the National Assembly.

The Chairman of the occasion, Mr. Felix Ovbude, FCILT and one time Managing Director of Eastern Ports of the Nigeria ports Authority (NPA), lamented that fifty-eight years down the line, CILT was yet to be chartered in Nigeria challenging the new National President to consolidate on his predecessor’s gains, to bring to fruition, the much desired CILT Nigeria bill/Act which he said would eventually open the floodgates to expansive opportunities in the business of logistics and transport delivery services and consultancy in Nigeria.

Mr. Ovbude pointedly told the CILT President, Jibril that he had a great opportunity to change the sad narrative of CILT Nigeria for the better.

Guest lecturer at the event and Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Multimix Academy, Dr. Obiora Madu took participants through the enchanting and professionally exciting world of logistics, warning that if Nigeria fails to get its act together and key into the fast growing economic sector, Nigeria would not be able to compete globally, while others continue to leverage on its advantages.

Currently, logistics and transport studies are on offer at Lagos State University (LASU), Redeemers University of Nigeria (RUN, University of Port-Harcourt and Multimix Academy.

Thirty-six (36) members inducted at the ceremony were elected chartered fellows, sworn in by oath Administrator and lawyer, Barr. Francis Otaigbe Agbonighale, after which they were presented with their certificates and plaques.

Some of the inductees were: Mr. Abiodun Olubunmi Akindolire, FCILT; Mrs. Mary Hamman, FCILT; Brig.Gen.BN.Salami, FCILT; Captain Ejikeme Gabriel Okwu, FCILT; AVM. Haruna Rasheed Mohammed (Rtd) FCILT; Otunba Babatunde Mashood Keshinro, FCILT; Mrs. Josephine Nimma Ande, FCILT; Dr. Adegboyega Adebayo Karim, FCILT; Mrs. Juliana Obiageli Saka, FCILT; among others.

Also, one hundred and thirty-two (132) members inducted were elected as chartered members, administered an oath and presented with their certificates and plaques.

Chief Chris Orode, a former Director at the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, was honoured with an award for his contributions to the growth in logistics and transport in Nigeria.

Orode commended the new management of the institute even as he admonished them to work closely with the senior members of the institute such as the chartered fellows and chartered members. He noted that this would ensure the current leadership avoids the pitfalls of the past leadership.