CILT Nigeria interrogates global logistics and transport to attain innovations that is sustainable

The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport Nigeria (CILTNigeria) has identified and proffered multiple real-time solutions to the myriad of problems plaguing the logistics and transport sector of Nigeria’s economy.

These commentaries were made in the two-day fora organised by the Nigeria branch of the institute tagged CILT Nigeria 2022 Conference Programme themed ‘Sustainable Innovations in Global Logistics and Transport’. The event which commenced on Tuesday at the Oriental Hotel in Lagos, the country’s economic nerve center congregated high-profile players in transport and logistics including Chief Teete Owusu Nortey, CILT International, President-Elect.

The National President of CILT Nigeria Barr. Mfon Ekong Usoro gave her welcome address virtually commending the effort of the National Council and Conference Committee for the outcome of the conference which she described as the international standard. She said the commencement of the event testifies to the maturity of CILT Nigeria as an institution notwithstanding her inability to attend in person. She welcomed guests and members assuring them of fulfillment in the rich package of the event.

A fellow of the institute, Chief Adebayo Sarumi, former Managing Director of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council and Nigerian Ports Authority delivered the keynote address. He said the theme of the conference is not only apt but global informing that the logistics and transport sector as key drivers of the economy globally is already undergoing transformation.

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And while acknowledging that the business of logistics and transport oscillates around art, science, and technology, said there is a need to integrate other sectors and subs like the works component of the Ministry of Works and Housing as well as engineering into next years event stating that TVG which is the fastest train brand is driven by electricity. Again, teased the need for CILT Nigeria to be recognised and proportionately rated like the high-profile accounting professional body in Nigeria.

CILT International, President-Elect Chief Teete Owusu Nortey in his goodwill message lauded the excellent organisation of the event as reflected in its oversubscription. He mentioned the names of some members for adding value to the Nigeria branch of CILT which has earned Nigeria territory status. He expressed gratitude to Nigeria for supporting his presidential ambition and promised to foster inclusiveness during the tenure of his presidency.

Goodwill messages were delivered by representatives of the Dangote group and the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology, Zaria who centered their messaging around the theme of the conference.

The address and formal declaration of the conference open were read on behalf of the Hon. Minister for Transportation, Engr. Mu’azu Sambo said the federal government is making effort to establish critical transport infrastructure to facilitate transportation and logistics in the country.

The sessions for concrete conversations on issues around the theme ‘Sustainable Innovations in Logistics and Transport’ was divided into two and ran concurrently.

One of the technical sessions, De-Carbonization in Transport had panelists dwell on greenhouse emissions by vehicles, trains, and aircraft; greenhouse emissions and taxing; greenhouse emissions by vessels as well as alternative energy sources. The other session was about leveraging technology in haulage operations.

The paper of the lead speaker Amb (Mrs.) Anthonia Ekpa, a fellow of the institute on De-Carbonization in Transport was presented by Prof. Charles Asenima, the Dean School of Transport and Logistics, Lagos State University. She said the urgency in de-carbonization stems from the fact that the earth is getting overheated through human activities warranting concerted and collaborative efforts to save the future of the planet. She made feasible suggestions on how to reduce carbon emissions globally.

A discussant Capt. Suleiman Baiyee, the Principal Consultant at Genero Engineering Limited altered the conversation around reducing global carbon dioxide emissions. He said African countries contribute less than 1% of the global average as such Nigeria should leverage its rich carbon deposit to grow the economy. ” We should be looking at developing our infrastructure. Today the most renewable energy we have is natural liquified gas also referred to as transition fuel. If we go with what the West is saying we will develop less,” he argued.

A number of organisations particularly in logistics and transport across the public and private spheres sponsored the event. These include among others Dangote group, NIMASA, NIWA, Akwa Ibom State Government, PUC, MOS Logistics, Consortium Limited et cetera.