The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) Nigeria says its 2026 National Conference will focus on practical solutions to the country’s transport and logistics challenges.
The Chairman of the conference planning committee, Prof. Kayode Oyesiku, disclosed this at a news conference on Wednesday in Lagos.
Oyesiku was represented by Prof. Ogochukwu Ugboma, Dean School of Transport and Logistics, Lagos State University.
He said the conference would hold from Oct. 21 to Oct. 23 in Abuja with the theme, “Transforming Nigeria’s Transport and Logistics System for Shared Prosperity and Sustainable Infrastructure”.
Oyesiku said that the theme reflected the importance of the transport and logistics sector to national development.
According to him, transport and logistics determine whether workers will reach their workplaces safely, farmers access markets, and manufacturers obtain inputs and distribute finished products competitively.
“Transport and logistics are not merely sectoral concerns; they are the circulation system of the national economy,” he said.
He said that when the system was fragmented, unsafe, costly or unreliable, households and businesses bore the consequences through higher costs and reduced productivity.
According to Oyesiku, Nigeria needs an integrated transport system where roads, railways, aviation, maritime transport, inland waterways, ports and logistics hubs will complement one another.
He stressed the need for climate-resilient infrastructure, effective institutional coordination, technology-driven accountability and a skilled workforce capable of managing the evolving industry.
He said the conference had been deliberately structured as a solution-focused gathering involving policymakers, regulators, transport operators, investors, academics, technology providers and development partners.
“The purpose is not simply to restate familiar problems in Nigeria. It seeks to identify priorities, clarify responsibilities and build partnerships that can move credible ideas towards implementation,” he said.
Oyesiku said that Prof. Ayo Omotayo, Director-General, National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, would deliver the keynote address.
He added that Gov. Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti would be the special guest of honour, saying their participation would strengthen discussions on translating national strategies into practical delivery.
According to him, six major plenaries will focus on sustainable and resilient infrastructure, digital transformation, smart policies and integrated multimodal connectivity.
He said that other areas for discussion would include governance and policy reform, infrastructure financing, human capital development, professional excellence, inclusive mobility and logistics for national development.
He said academic paper presentations would ensure evidence-informed discussions, while students and young professionals would receive opportunities for mentoring, innovation and leadership development.
Oyesiku said that the conference dinner and awards would recognise excellence, while a technical field tour would connect proposed solutions with operational realities.
He said the conference would end with a communiqué containing priority recommendations and commitments emerging from the various sessions.
He said the conference would bring together captains of industry, academics, development partners, professional bodies, investors, students and young professionals.
He urged the media to help Nigerians to understand the connection between transport performance and issues such as food prices, road safety, employment, education and national productivity.
He said transport efficiency also affected Nigeria’s competitiveness and regional trade and investment, urging stakeholders to participate actively in the conference.
He appealed to transport and logistics companies, professional associations, unions, regulators, researchers, investors, technology firms and development partners to participate in the event. (NAN)
