President of the Chartered Institute of Transport Administration of Nigeria (CIoTA), Dr Segun Obayendo has said that a lack of professionalism and adequate regulation is the bane of Nigeria’s transportation sector.
Speaking on Tuesday during the South West Conference of the institute in Lagos, which had as its theme ‘The Role Of Transport And Logistics In Sustainable Development’, the CIoTA President said that foreigner’s assess any country they visit through the transportation sector.
According to Obayendo, “if we are duly regulated, enforced, and monitored, I think our lives will change as far as the transport sector is concerned.
“If you know what any European or American uses to assess who we are, they just check out our transportation system to know how organised we are.
“As these foreigners are coming in from our airports, they observe the way vehicles are overtaking and parking. This speaks volumes about who we are. In essence, it tells the outside world that these people are not there yet.”
Obayendo urged CIOTA members to take ownership of Nigeria’s transportation challenges and champion reform.
“With a renewed sense of purpose and collective action, we can drive meaningful change, transforming the sector and elevating the nation’s progress,” the CIoTA President exptransportAlso Also speaking during the conference, the Director of the Centre for Multimodal Transport Studies, University of Lagos, Prof. Iyiola Oni, said that transports contribute directly to five of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) targets on road safety.
Dr. Iyiola Oni explained that transport goes beyond moving from one place to another, noting that it helps to eliminate food shortages from one region to another and also helps businesses to grow.
Oni, while urging the local government to take the opportunity to develop its council since it has gained autonomy, encouragDd all tiers of government to create basic infrastructure for the citizens rather than using money to buy drinks for them.
On his part, the Lagos Chapter Chairman of CIoTA, Dr Taiwo Salaam explained that the role of transport and logistics must evolve to meet the demands of a future that prioritizes environmental stewardship, economic resilience, and social equity.
“As professionals in the field, we understand the intricate connections between transport, logistics, and the economy. However, the world is changing rapidly, and so must our strategies and approaches.
“We are in an era where sustainability is no longer just an option, but a necessity. The role of transport and logistics must evolve to meet the demands of a future that prioritizes environmental stewardship, economic resilience, and social equity.
“Today’s conference is a platform for us to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and chart a course for the future of transport and logistics in our region and beyond. The insights we gain here will not only enrich our professional practice but will also contribute to the broader national discourse on sustainable development.
“As we proceed, I encourage us all to engage fully, to challenge old paradigms, and to collaborate in finding innovative solutions that will propel our sector—and our nation—towards a sustainable future,” Dr Taiwo Salaam stated.
Also present at the conference was the Commissioner for Transportation, Lagos State, Hon. Oluwaseun Osiyemi who was represented by the Ministry’s Director, Transport Policy and Coordination, Engr. Aderounmu Agbomeji.
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