Oyetola Seeks CILT Collaboration to Achieve Paperless Ports As Boboye Oyeyemi Emerges President
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has called on the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) Nigeria to support the Federal Government’s initiative to create paperless, technology-driven ports that will combat corruption and reduce vessel turnaround time.
Speaking at the 2025 National Conference and Annual General Meeting of CILT Nigeria on Wednesday, Oyetola emphasized that achieving efficient port operations requires strong partnership between government and logistics professionals.
The minister, represented by the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, disclosed that the Federal Government is working closely with all stakeholders to achieve a paperless, technology-driven port environment that enhances efficiency, reduces turnaround time, and curbs corruption.
He revealed that the present administration is committed to port modernization and digitalization, with the Federal Government approving a $1 billion modernization project for Lagos ports as a landmark initiative.
“As part of this commitment, the Federal Government has approved a $1 billion modernisation project for the ports in Lagos, a landmark initiative designed to upgrade infrastructure, improve cargo handling, and expand capacity to meet global standards,” Oyetola said.
The minister added that procurement processes have commenced for similar modernization projects at ports outside Lagos to ensure balanced development across Nigeria’s maritime gateways.
“These efforts reflect the administration’s firm determination to improve logistics performance and competitiveness in the marine and transport sector, making Nigeria a preferred destination for maritime trade and investment,” he stated.
Oyetola commended CILT for its leadership in promoting professionalism, knowledge, and ethical standards in the logistics and transport sector, describing the Institute’s expertise as indispensable to the success of Nigeria’s Blue Economy.
“As professionals, your expertise and innovations are indispensable to the success of the Blue Economy. Whether through port operations, freight forwarding, warehousing, distribution, fleet management, or intermodal integration, your contribution defines the efficiency and competitiveness of our entire economic ecosystem,” he said.
The minister challenged CILT and its members to continue championing the adoption of smart and green transport technologies, promoting capacity building for young professionals and operators, and advocating for data-driven planning and decision-making in logistics management.
“I therefore urge CILT and its members to continue to champion the adoption of smart and green transport technologies; promote capacity building for young professionals and operators; advocate for data-driven planning and decision-making in logistics management; and deepen collaboration with the Ministry and other stakeholders to align your expertise with national priorities,” Oyetola stated.
The minister emphasized that Nigeria’s Blue Economy ambitions cannot be realized without an efficient and integrated logistics and transport system.
“However, the promise of a thriving Blue Economy cannot be realised without a robust, efficient, and integrated logistics and transport system. The ability to move goods, people, and services seamlessly — by sea, land, and air — is the lifeblood of commerce and the foundation of industrial growth. Our ports, shipping corridors, inland container depots, and intermodal connections form the arteries through which our Blue Economy will flourish,” he explained.
Oyetola noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration recognizes the Blue Economy as the next frontier for economic diversification beyond oil.
“The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, recognises that the Blue Economy represents the next frontier for economic diversification beyond oil. Consequently, the creation of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy underscores our collective commitment to reposition this vital sector as a key driver of national growth, innovation, and sustainability,” he said.
The minister stressed that the government’s goal is sustainable and inclusive growth that balances economic opportunity with environmental stewardship and social equity.
“Our goal is not growth for growth’s sake, but sustainable and inclusive growth, one that balances economic opportunity with environmental stewardship and social equity.
We must ensure that our coastal and riverine communities benefit from the emerging Blue Economy, that women and youth find meaningful employment within its value chains, and that our maritime and transport infrastructure is developed in harmony with global climate goals,” he explained.
He assured that the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy remains fully committed to partnering with CILT and all stakeholders to advance shared objectives.
Earlier, the President and Chair of Council, CILT Nigeria, Mfon Ekong Usoro, disclosed that the Institute has established strategic collaborative arrangements with critical stakeholders over the past four years.
“We executed a Memorandum of Agreement with the Maritime Academy of Nigeria. Under this model, cadets of the Academy will, upon graduation, hold both the Institute’s professional qualifications and the applicable Certificates from the Maritime Academy and be eligible to become Chartered Members of the Institute immediately they attain the required number of years of industry experience,”Usoro said.
She revealed that CILT has also established a strategic partnership with the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), cemented by a Memorandum of Understanding.
“The aim is to embed logistics and supply-chain management (SCM) principles into Nigeria’s public procurement cycle, from needs assessment to final delivery. CILT will design specialised training for procurement officers in the public sector under this partnership,” she explained.
Usoro added that CILT Nigeria, in collaboration with the African Centre for Supply Chain, has introduced regular Executive Masterclasses targeted exclusively for CEOs and C-Suite occupants, while also offering Certified Transport and Distribution Professional Courses with Multimix Academy.Strengthened Collaboration with Nigerian Military.
The CILT president highlighted the Institute’s intensified collaboration with the Nigerian Military through the Nigerian Army College of Logistics and Management (NACOLM), where CILT provides courses on civilian aspects of logistics and transport.
“I note with satisfaction the increase in the number of officers who took the CILT courses and were conferred with the professional certificates and various grades of membership of the Institute under the immediate past Commandant of NACOLM, Major General Wisdom Etuk, FCILT.
“We look forward to strengthening the collaboration under the leadership of Major General Collins Adetoba, the recently appointed Commandant of NACOLM,” she said.
Other speakers at the 2025 Conference and Annual General Meeting of the CILT includes its Global President, Chief Teete OWUSU-NORTEY, Nigeria’s Chief of Defense Staff, General Christopher Musa among others. The event was also graced by the former Managing Director of NPA, Chief Adebayo Sarumi.
Meanwhile, the newly elected CILT President Nigeria, Boboye Oyeyemi has said that his investiture as the new President is taking place on 27th of November at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) Victoria Island, Lagos.
Mrs Juliana Saka from the Nigerian Shippers Council has also emerged as Vice President of the Institute.
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