CILT moves to secure logistics regulation under Oyeyemi

The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport Nigeria has announced plans to secure an Act of Parliament granting it full legal authority to regulate professional standards in the transport and logistics industry.

The newly inaugurated President of CILT Nigeria, Dr Boboye Oyeyemi, codenamed the initiative ‘Project 2027’, saying that it will protect the institute’s chartered status, ensure national recognition of its qualifications, and strengthen its statutory influence within the sector.

Oyeyemi unveiled the initiative in Lagos on Thursday during his formal investiture as the 21st President and Chairman of the Council of CILT Nigeria, themed: ‘Building on Our Legacies, Uniting Every Member, and Positioning CILT Nigeria as a Global Force in Transport and Logistics.’

He said, “Project 2027 seeks to secure an Act of Parliament conferring full legal authority on CILT Nigeria to regulate professional standards, protect its chartered status, and ensure national recognition of its qualifications.” He added, “Project 2027 is not just an ambition; it is an institutional legacy we must achieve together.”

Oyeyemi said his administration would focus on strengthening the institute’s institutional relevance, global positioning and internal cohesion.

“My vision is simple yet profound: to build on our legacies, unite every member, and position CILT Nigeria as a global force in transport and logistics,” he noted.

Oyeyemi, a former Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps, asserted that his leadership “is not an elevation but a trust,” adding that his tenure would translate CILT’s vision “into measurable outcomes, programmes, projects and policies that empower our members and reposition our institute.”

The new president outlined an innovation-driven agenda, committing to elevating CILT Nigeria’s global presence and deepening its technological capabilities.

He said the institute would strengthen its global engagement through the CILT Digital Academy, deploy hybrid learning models, expand virtual Continuing Professional Development programmes and introduce a National Mentorship Scheme to link experienced Fellows with young professionals.

He also announced plans to establish the CILT Innovation and Research Hub to advance studies in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence in logistics, digital ports, smart freight systems and green supply chains.

“CILT Nigeria must not be a spectator; we must lead the transformation,” he said. “CILT Nigeria must not be a local observer but a regional leader in logistics transformation.”

He added that the institute would deepen partnerships with CILT International, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, the AfCFTA Secretariat and the African Development Bank “to position Nigeria as the logistics nerve centre of West Africa”.

Oyeyemi said CILT Nigeria must remain a credible voice on transport and logistics reforms. He said, “We shall activate the CILT Policy Advisory Council to produce technical papers and briefs that guide government and industry decisions.”

The institute will also publish an annual Nigeria Transport and Logistics Outlook Report providing data-driven insights for investors and policymakers.

He added that the institute would promote unity and professionalism through a Members’ Day, a renewed welfare framework and recognition initiatives.

Oyeyemi said sustainability would remain central to CILT’s agenda, noting that the CILT Green Logistics Initiative would promote clean fuels, energy-efficient transport systems and sustainable supply chains. “The green transition is not a luxury; it is the next logistics revolution,” he said.

On national integration, he commended the Federal Ministry of Transportation for completing the National Land Transport Policy after 33 years, pledging CILT’s full support for implementation.

He added that the institute would conduct a National Study on Multimodal Transport Implementation to guide infrastructure alignment and transport safety reforms, insisting that “transport safety must be institutional.”

He listed eight strategic pillars that will guide the institute from 2025 to 2027, including membership expansion, sector alignment, employer recognition, research, curriculum reform, digital transformation, financial sustainability and regional leadership.

“After 67 years, our institute stands at the threshold of renewal, ready to consolidate, modernise and globalise,” he said.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, represented by the Registrar/Chief Executive Officer of the Council for Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria, Kingsley Igwe, praised Oyeyemi’s leadership capacity.

Oyetola said, “I am confident that under your stewardship, CILT Nigeria will experience renewed vigour, strengthened professionalism and deepened impact across the logistics landscape.”

The minister urged closer collaboration between CILT Nigeria and CRFFN to harmonise standards and improve freight forwarding practices.

He said, “Bridging the gap between the institute and industry practitioners is essential to deepen professionalism and translate training and certification into improved operational outcomes.”

The minister pledged the ministry’s support, saying it remained committed to strengthening Nigeria’s logistics value chain.

The outgoing President of CILT Nigeria, Mfon Usoro, said she expected Oyeyemi to surpass the achievements of the last administration.

She said, “Dr Boboye Oyeyemi is very well equipped to achieve more than what we did. There is greater awareness now on supply chain logistics and transport.”

Usoro urged stronger engagement with government agencies across all transport modes, stating that logistics must be seen as a full supply chain discipline, not just transportation.

She highlighted her administration’s achievements, including expanding CILT operations to over 15 states, increasing membership, regularising the institute’s regulatory compliance, improving financial transparency and raising CILT’s profile within CILT International.

Usoro revealed that the active membership of CILT Nigeria now stands at 2,021, while revenue rose from N7.8m in 2021 to N55m in Q3 2025, with liquid assets reaching N123m. “Accountability and transparency have been the watchwords of this administration,” she said.

The Special Guest of Honour, Prof. Wole Soyinka, congratulated Oyeyemi and urged him to pursue innovation and stronger safety systems. He said, “I fully expect to see innovations during your presidency.”

Soyinka highlighted the importance of understanding the science of road safety, saying many transport decisions “are based on an analysis of the relationship between the road, vehicles and the psychology of road users.”