The Chartered Institute of Transport Administration of Nigeria (CIoTA) has reaffirmed its commitment to professionalising the transportation sector and ensuring full integration into the national economy.
Speaking at the inauguration of the 3rd Governing Council, with the theme “Adoption of Technology in the Transportation Ecosystem,” yesterday in Abuja, the minister of transportation, Senator Sai’du Alkali, highlighted the institute’s significant impact, particularly in shaping the National Land Transport Policy.
Senator Alkali, who was represented by the permanent secretary of the Federal Ministry of Transportation, Adeleye Adeoye, noted that Nigeria had previously lacked a comprehensive land transport policy, but progress has been made under the leadership of the current minister.
He emphasised that the policy document has been finalised and is now awaiting approval from the Federal Executive Council (FEC) before being made available to Nigerians.
“CIoTA has played a crucial role in developing this policy, which will guide the future of land transport in the country,” he said.
For his part, CIoTA president/chairman Prince Segun Obayendo emphasised the need to formalise the transport sector, particularly in road and waterway operations, which remain largely informal.
He noted that this informality makes it difficult to accurately measure the sector’s contribution to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
“We are underestimated because the country cannot truly measure our impact. We aim to formalise the sector, bring transport operators into the economy, and ensure they are properly recognised and respected,” he said.
He commended the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) for its efforts in streamlining road transport operations in Lagos and expressed CIoTA’s determination to expand such initiatives across Nigeria’s 36 states.
“We need to upskill operators, provide adequate training, and instil professionalism in the sector,” he said, stressing the need for improved conduct and appearance among commercial transport workers.
Obayendo also raised concerns over recurring maritime and water sector accidents, citing recent tragedies in 2025.
He emphasised that CIoTA would work closely with the National Assembly to advocate for necessary reforms and stricter safety regulations.
“We are here to recommit ourselves to the ideals of CIoTA. We will work tirelessly to ensure the transport sector gets the respect and recognition it deserves,” he added.
Also, the National Center for Technology Management (NACETEM) director general, Dr Olushola Odusanya, stressed that Nigeria must adopt local technologies to drive innovation in the transport sector.
He emphasised the need to turn existing challenges into opportunities for technological advancements.
“We came to discuss the foundations of the transport sector and explore technologies that can propel it to greater heights,” he said.
He noted that Nigeria continues to import materials that could be produced locally, such as number plates, which could be manufactured through simple stamping and painting processes.
Odusanya highlighted the potential of foundry technologies, welding, and metallurgical advancements to boost domestic production in the transport industry.