CIOTA set to hold 5th National Summit, discusses emerging national challenges, prospects in transportation modes

The Chartered Institute of Transport Administration (CIOTA), Nigeria, has concluded plans to hold its 5th National Summit to discuss emerging national challenges and prospects in the transportation modes.                                                  

The association made the disclosure at a zoom meeting on Monday, December 4, 2023.

The chartered institute of Transport Administration of Nigeria is the premier chartered professional transport body in Nigeria providing training, membership and certification that specifically addresses the work performed by transport professionals.

According to Professor Samuel Odewumi, a Professor of Transport and Logistics, and the Chairman of the Planning Committee, CIOTA, the summit is scheduled to hold between 12thDecember and 14th December 2023 at NICON Luxury Hotel in Abuja, and the theme of this year’s summit is christened "Emerging National Challenges and Prospects in the Transportation Modes"

Odewumi stated that there are challenges in the transport sector and CIOTA is helping to solve such issues as inadequate infrastructure, logistical bottlenecks, and policy regulatory complexities even though these challenges have served as catalysts for innovation and resilience within the transport sector, adding that CIOTA remains steadfast in its commitment to excellence as it is playing a pivotal role in navigating these challenges by advocating  policy reforms and fostering a community of professionals dedicated to advancing the nation's transport capabilities.

He stated that the summit is being convened with the aim to serve as a crucible of ideas, a melting pot where industry experts, policymakers, and thought leaders converge to chart a course for the future. “It is an opportunity to explore innovative solutions, address current issues, and lay the groundwork for a transportation ecosystem that is not only efficient but also sustainable and inclusive.“

Expected at the event, he said include the Director General of National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) Kuru, near Jos, Professor Ayo Omotayo, who will deliver the keynote address under the chairmanship of the Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Kashim Shettima; the Honorable Ministers of Transportation, Senator Said Ahmad Alkali; Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, His Excellency Nyesom Wike as Guest of Honours and a host of other very highly esteemed dignitaries.

Odewumi mainained that the summit as enlightening as it is will discuss the challenges of congested highways and insufficient road infrastructure while looking forward to prospect that lies in pursuit of smart and sustainable road networks, utilizing technology to ease congestion, enhance safety and ensuring that Nigerian roads become not just conduits of travel but corridors of efficiency and safety.

Other issues to be discussed at the meeting include the challenge of connecting cities and regions to accommodate the growing demands of the populace by rail, prospect that emerges in the development of high-speed rail and the integration of cutting-edge technology for enhanced connectivity and reliability.

He said CIOTA is not unmindful of the environmental concerns that persist in the aviation industry, adding that CIOTA will discuss sustainable technologies and practices that ensure that the skies remain open and blue for generations to come.

Also to be discussed is the waterways which are vital arteries of trade and commerce; and pipelines which is vital for the seamless flow of resources. He said that Pipeline is a recent admission to the transport system and therefore there is a need for robust maintenance and addressing environmental concerns. “Hence, we look forward to discussing how to leverage advanced technologies for pipeline monitoring and investing in a resilient pipeline infrastructure for the sustainability of our national transport network.”

He added that the summit is not just a forum for discourse but a call to action. “There is need to confront these challenges head-on, turning them into stepping stones toward a future where the roads are smart, railways are swift, skies are sustainable, waterways are safe, and pipelines are resilient.”

Sub-themes to be examined at the summit include “Emerging National Challenges and Prospects in Road Construction and Maintenance, to be delivered by the Hon Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi; Emerging National Challenges and Prospects in Aviation Sector to be delivered by Chief Festus Keyamo (SAN) and Emerging National Challenges in Rail Transport, to be delivered by Sen. Said Ahmed Alkali.

Other sub themes according to Odewumi are Pioneering Navigational Charting Challenges and Prospects in Maritime and Blue Economy, to be delivered by H.E, Oboyega Oyetola (CON); and Emerging Challenges and Prospect in Pipeline Transport, to be delivered by Dr. Bala Zaka.

CIOTA, according to the Odewumi is expecting about 500 participants at the event including Policy makers in the Ministries of Transportation, Ministry of Maritime and blue economy, Works, Aviation, Petroleum resources, Regulatory authorities, Multilateral Agencies, transport Professionals and General Transport Community, adding that speakers are drawn from the academics, operations, administrations and management.

The discussant, he added, will focus on both technical and economic challenges.

Other speakers expected at the event are, Professor Leo Daniel, Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Technology, Ikoti Abasi, Akwa Ibom State, Professor Osi Akpogomeh, Director, CELTRANS, University of  Portharcourt, Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps, Dr Salih Bayero Farrah, DG, NITT, Engr Okusaga, Director Rail, LAMATA, amongst others.