By Adesina Wahab

The Chartered Institute of Transport Administration (CIoTA) has held its National Transport Conference during which it unveiled the first-ever African Journal of Transport, as well as the presentation of the Compendium of papers presented at the sixth National Conference, 2024.

The Conference also witnessed the public signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Institute and the Chartered Institute of Directors (CIoD).

In a communique endorsed by the President/Chairman of Governing Council,

Prince (Dr) Segun Ochuko Obayendo, the conference, with the theme,”Repositioning Nigeria’s transport infrastructure and governance models for global competitiveness,” had in attendance over 450 delegates drawn from across the country.

The conference was chaired by the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, His Excellency, Senator Uba Sani, while the Keynote Speaker was the Hon. Minister of Transportation, Sen. Said A. Alkali.

There were 16 recently concluded research papers presented at the conference, with three plenary papers that were professionally discussed by their various assembled panel of discussants.

The Conference also witnessed the public signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Institute and the Chartered Institute of Directors (CIoD) and 240 members were inducted into various categories of membership.

After exhaustive deliberation of the topical papers that were presented by experts on the theme and how to reposition Nigeria’s transport infrastructure and governance models for global competitiveness, the summit, among other things, resolved as follows: CIOTA reaffirmed its role in professional certification, training, advocacy and sector leadership. Called for institutional transparency, accountability and regulatory coherence as essential for sustainable transport infrastructure development.

The Conference welcomed the approval, within the year 2025, of the first National Land Transport, Marine and Blue Economy policies.

The conference noted that only three states, Lagos, Kano and Kaduna, have a State Transport Policy and therefore called on others to develop their policies to guide the development of the sector. It is expected that they will align their policy with the national framework.

The conference highlighted the need for multimodal integration: connecting road, rail, air, maritime, and inland waterways to boost efficiency, reduce logistics costs, and position Nigeria in global supply chains for it to maximize the AfCFTA regime.

“There is a determination by CIoTA to collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Transportation to develop and implement Smart Mobility and Intelligent Transport System (ITS) across the nation. This partnership will help to modernise Nigeria’s transportation infrastructure, enhance efficiency, safety, and sustainability, and align the nation’s transport operations with global standards.

“That there is a need for the government to establish a Road Transport Management Authority to plan and manage the orderly development of the mode, which is responsible for more than 90% of the sector’s mobility needs. As the NCAA is to Aviation, NIWA to Inland Waterway, NRC to Railways and NIMASA for International Maritime/Shipping.

*CIoTA is ready and willing to assist with developing the transport policy for the government at all levels through its special-purpose consultancy outfit, well-suited to the drafting.

“That there is a need for improvements in the linkage of port infrastructure and the national rail network to enhance port efficiency and put the Inland Dry Ports to maximum use. Implement a deliberate policy to activate the use of the Eastern ports, thereby reducing congestion in the Western ports, improving ship turnaround time and cargo dwell time, and making the Nigerian ports more attractive to shippers,” the communique read in part.

The Minister of Transport, Senator Said Alkali, listed some of the achievements so far recorded by the ministry to include: Rail Sector Modernisation: The Lagos–Kano Standard Gauge project has achieved major milestones. The Lagos–Ibadan and Abuja–Kaduna segments are fully operational, while Kaduna–Kano is nearing completion.

Construction of the Kano–Maradi line (with a branch to Dutse) continues steadily, reinforcing Nigeria’s connectivity with the Niger Republic.

Work on the Port Harcourt–Maiduguri Eastern Narrow Gauge with its branch lines and two transhipment terminals is progressing, opening up the eastern corridor for commerce and inclusion.

A new Ibadan–Minna Standard Gauge line has been approved to expand national connectivity and logistics efficiency.

E-Ticketing and Service Reforms:

The deployment of Public–Private Partnership (PPP) driven e-ticketing platforms on the Lagos–Ibadan, Abuja–Kaduna, and Warri–Itakpe–Ajaokuta lines has greatly improved transparency, accountability, and user experience.

In his speech, the Chairman, Conference Planning Committee, Prof. Samuel G. Odewumi, said, “This annual gathering has, over the years, become the foremost national platform for dialogue, reflection, and action on the state and future of Nigeria’s transport and logistics ecosystem. Each edition builds on the progress of the previous ones, translating ideas into practical policy direction and professional advancement.

Theme Relevance

The theme of this year’s conference — “Repositioning Nigeria’s Transport Infrastructure and Governance Models for Global Competitiveness” — is both strategic and urgent. It compels us to look beyond the challenges of our current systems and focus on building an integrated, efficient, and sustainable transport network that can anchor Nigeria’s competitiveness in global trade and development.

“In this context, the conference offers a unique opportunity to reflect on the progress we have made as a nation, particularly through the leadership of the Honourable Minister of Transportation.”