CILT Nigeria To Hold 2024 AGM/Conference In Abuja, As Four Ministers Billed To Attend

By Roland Ekama

The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT),Nigeria on Thursday, announced October 8 and 9 , 2024 for the Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Conference scheduled to hold in Abuja.

CILT Nigeria said it is set to address the challenges and opportunities facing the country’s transportation and logistics sector as well as explore the complex dynamics between transportation systems and land use patterns in cities.

According to the institute, this year’s edition would attract the high and the mighty in the society including the Chief of Army Staff, Minister of Transportation, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Minister of Aviation and Minister of Trade and Investment.

The Institute added that it would highlight the need for integrated strategies to develop modern transportation infrastructure with a view to creating sustainable, efficient, and equitable transportation systems that support liveable cities and overall development of the country.

Speaking at a zooming meeting , Chairman, CILT 2024 Planning Committee, Prof Kayode Oyesiku stated this in a pre-event press conference held on September 19, 2024,

The theme of the year’s conference and Annual General Meeting (AGM) is “TRANSFORMING NIGERIA’S TRANSPORTATION AND LOGISTICS SYSTEMS FOR DEVELOPMENT”; and is expected to
hold at Nicon Luxury Hotel, Area 11, Abuja

His words, “This year’s national conference focuses on the theme that is designed to support and complement the efforts of the Federal Government to transform the transportation and logistics systems of the country into a more productive sector using the transformative power of technology in revolutionizing Nigeria’s transportation and logistics system for sustainable development.”

Highlighting the challenges bedevilling the sector and strategies to deploy in overcoming the ills. “The transportation and logistics sector are the backbone of any economy. It is the lifeblood that connects people, goods, and services.

“However, Nigeria’s transportation and logistics system faces numerous challenges, including inefficiencies, congestion, and lack of infrastructure.

“Against this backdrop, the CILT conference annually attracts industrial sector operators, private and public partners of transport corporations, researchers from tertiary institutions in the field of transport around the country and provides opportunities to share ideas and research outputs from the wide diversity of transport and logistics related topics.

“In like manner, the 2024 conference is bringing together transportation and logistics professionals, experts, thought leaders, academics and researchers and industry frontline chief executives to advance strategies towards: Leveraging technology to optimize transportation infrastructure; Enhancing logistics operations through data analytics; Digital innovation in supply chain management and Collaborative strategies for sustainable development.

“We will explore the latest trends and innovations in transportation and logistics, including artificial intelligence, blockchain, while suggesting government policy and regulation in supporting the growth of the sector that will drive economic growth, and to improve the economic and industrial development of the country that will eventually make Nigeria the trading hub of the continent.”

According to Prof Oyesiku, over 500 delegates and participants attended the previous year’s event saying 2024 will attract more participants with various topics related to the sector to be discussed.

“The popularity of CILT Conference is growing every year, over 500 delegates and participants attended 2023 conference representing different sectors of transport and logistics organizations and public service of the country.

“We expect more this year from different segments of the industry, academia, the scientific community, professionals and government officials from within and outside the country.

“The 2024 CILT Conference package includes several discussion panels, scientific paper presentations by speakers that include academics and practicing professionals and experts from different sectors of the industry and business community.

“The next generation of transport professionals who will rub minds on the strategies for transforming the future of transportation and logistics in Nigeria for two full days

The side attraction according to him , will see conference delegates take part in guided tours of immense significance to the profession and the federal capital city of Abuja, including Abuja Light Rail Revolution Tour, the Abuja City to International Airport terminal passenger facilities; and Abuja’s Green Wheels in Motion Electric Car Showcase tour,” he submitted.

Also speaking, President, CILT Nigeria, Barr. Mfon Usoro stated that the 2023 conference has added to the knowledge of people in their various areas of operation.

She maintained that everyone benefitted from the 2023 conference lectures, presentations and discussions even as she announced the various trainings available in the institute for prospective members.

Others expected at the event are international experts in logistics as well as members of the Institute in other countries.