As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen professional transport administration at the state level, the Chartered Institute of Transport Administration of Nigeria, CIOTA has inaugurated newly appointed State Executives and Coordinators across the country.
Delivering the keynote address during a virtual event, the chairman of the Membership and Planning Committee, Professor Samuel Odewumi emphasized the critical role of transport in Nigeria’s economic and social development.
Professor Odewumi highlighted how the establishment of state chapters would enhance professionalism, policy advocacy, research, stakeholder engagement and membership expansion within the transport sector.
“The inauguration of our state chapters is a bold and strategic move to decentralize our operations, foster inclusivity, and promote regional development within the transport sector,” he said. “This initiative will provide a platform for knowledge-sharing, capacity building, and policy advocacy to improve Nigeria’s transport systems.”
The chairman also presented the newly inaugurated state chapter executives with an ambitious three-year action plan (2024-2026) aimed at ensuring sustainable growth and efficiency in transport administration.
According to Professor Odewunmi, the plan includes: Year 1 (2024): Establishing governance structures, membership drives, inaugural training workshops, and advocacy initiatives.
Year 2 (2025): Implementing structured training programs, launching research projects, organizing state transport summits, and enhancing public awareness campaigns on sustainable transport practices.
Year 3 (2026): Expanding collaborations with research institutions, advocating for policy implementation, establishing funding mechanisms, and hosting a national CIOTA state chapters’ conference.
He noted that the inauguration reinforced CIOTA’s dedication to sustainable transport policies and professional excellence and with the establishment of state chapters, the Institute is poised to address state-specific transport challenges and foster innovations that will contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth and infrastructural development.
As CIOTA moves forward, stakeholders, government agencies, and private sector players are expected to collaborate closely with the institute to ensure the successful implementation of its strategic objectives.
“Together, we can build a robust and sustainable transport sector that catalyzes national development,” Professor Samuel concluded.
On his part, CIOTA President, Segun Obayendo, who administered the oath of office on the newly appointed state executives and zonal coordinators, emphasizing the institute’s core values of professionalism, integrity, and commitment to advancing transport administration in Nigeria.
Obayendo commended the new leaders for their dedication and urged them to work diligently to strengthen the institute’s visibility and effectiveness at the state level. He also encouraged further expansion through the creation of local government chapters to enhance grassroots participation in transport administration.
The event also featured the outlining of the supervisory states for various transport institutions, ensuring coordinated efforts in enhancing transport administration across key sectors.
Institutions such as the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Lagos State University School of Transport and Logistics and the Nigerian Railway Corporation were assigned supervisory states for improved collaboration.