The National President of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport ( CILT),Nigeria Mfon Ekong Usoro, has appealed to the Federal Ministry of Transportation to formally involve the institute in its developmental programmes.
Usoro made this charge at a CILT Nigeria’s seminar, themed “Strategies for Repositioning Nigeria for Exploiting AfCFTA” in Lagos where the institute also inducted some notable individuals as fellows .
She said “CILT’s immediate goal is to transform logistics and transport in Nigeria to align with global and continental trends, with a focus on technology, growing domestic capacity and strengthening the regulatory deficit that is a sine qua non for the growth and competitiveness of the industry.”
“To this end, the institute has been intensifying efforts to deepen and broaden relationships with the government and key private sector operators for all the modes.
” Additionally, they have also concluded negotiation of a Memorandum of Agreement with an top-notch university, to be signed very shortly.”
Usoro, a former Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) further added that CILT Nigeria will begin to publish a Logistics and Transport Advisory and Forecast on a quarterly basis, which will offer independent, objective and constructive assessment of the state of play of the Logistics and Transport industry, together with practical solutions.
She expressed confidence that CILT is fully equipped to be of value to the Ministry and the country as a whole, and joins the throngs of Nigerians urging the government to issue the transport policy timely.
Usoro advised the inductees to continue to further the interest of the logistics and transport industry, and partner with CILT Nigeria to keep improving the efficiency and profitability of the sector.
Usoro’s view was supported by Ms Funmi Folorunsho, Director General of African Shipowners Association (ASA) during a presentation where she recommended CILT as the driver for logistics and transport space in Nigeria.
Folorunso said “Nigeria has the potential to become the logistics hub of the continent. A change in mindset could help reposition the country to exploit this potential, by making AfCFTA a joint assignment by all, including CILT, the private and public sectors. Adequate structures should also be set up, as well as addressing the legal framework.”
She charged CILT to optimize its strength in the transport and logistics industry, prioritize already identified opportunities in logistics and work at strategies to implement guidelines.
Those inducted includes:, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Transportation, Dr. Magdalene Ajani; Director General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Bashir Jamoh and a former President of Nigeria Trawler Owners Association (NITOA) Mrs. Margaret Orakwusi.
The event also featured the induction of some notable personalities into the grades of Chartered Fellowship, Chartered Members and Members of the CILT.
Other inductees into the Chartered Fellowship include: Mundi Baba Ibrahim, Ogunna Ikechukwu Joel, Maj. Gen. Dauda Adamu Mama, Orume Daniel John, Chief (Mrs.) Ezenwa Chinwe, Murnai Mohammad Kabir, Soetan Israel Olatoye, Bature Musa Jonathan and Soji-George Folake Oladapo.
Those inducted into the Chartered Members Fellowship include: Abu-Ireda Albert AbdulKadir, Azeez Lateef Adeola, Nwafor Erhieyovwe Julieth, Ugwu Ifeanyichukwu Martin, Koko Deinma Henry, Owolabi Benjamin Oluwapelumi, People Adonye Greg and Nwosu Justina Uchechukwe.
Others who were inducted into the Members Fellowship include: Adebo Olufunmilola Omowunmi, Ibikunle Samuel Oriyomi, Fakolujo Korede Olayinka, Ahize Great Obinna, Asoegwu Steven, Onyejemeli Stella Obiageli, Magaji Baure Salisu, Tasiu Hamisu Kafur, Musa Haruna, Jikamshi Ahmed Tukur, Abdulkarim Sunusi and Ibrahim Yakubu Yakubu.
Caption:
Perm. Sec. Federal Ministry of Transportation,Dr. Magdalene Ajani (L) displaying the induction certificate as President of CILT-Nigeria, Mrs Mfon Usoro look on at a programme put together by the institute in Lagos, Thursday.
