Chartered Institute of Transport Administration of Nigeria, CIOTA, has emphasized the importance of effective transport system, saying it is the backbone of the economic development of any nation. This is just as it has inaugurated state chapters of the institute. Speaking during the inauguration exercise which held virtually, the Chairman of the Membership and Planning Committee, Prof. Samuel Odewumi, said efficient transport systems facilitate commerce, ensure seamless mobility, and drive economic prosperity. “As Nigeria continues to evolve due to urbanization, technological advancements, and infrastructural growth, the role of professional transport administrators becomes more critical than ever. Establishing state chapters under CIOTA represents a bold and strategic move to decentralize our operations, foster inclusivity, and promote regional development within the transport sector. Through these chapters, we aim to:
“Enhance Professionalism and Capacity Building: Our commitment to training and capacity development remains unwavering. The state chapters will serve as hubs for knowledge sharing, skills development, and professional networking to equip transport administrators with cutting-edge expertise and global best practices. Strengthen Policy Advocacy and Implementation: The transport sector thrives on sound policies and effective implementation. With active state chapters, we can engage with state governments, policymakers, and relevant stakeholders to advocate for progressive policies that will improve transport systems and infrastructure across Nigeria. Promote Research and Innovation: Our transport sector’s challenges require innovative solutions. Our state chapters will facilitate research, data collection, and practical strategies to address traffic congestion, safety, sustainability, and multimodal transport systems.
‘Encourage Stakeholder Engagement: Transport administration is a collective responsibility. We will work closely with government agencies, private sector players, academia, and the general public to foster collaboration and shared responsibility in advancing Nigeria’s transport sector. Increase Membership and Public Awareness: CIOTA’s growth and sustainability depend on an active and engaged membership base. The state chapters will spearhead membership drives, awareness campaigns, and community outreach programmes to ensure transport professionals recognize the benefits of joining and contributing to our institute.” While reeling out the action plan for the state chapters, Odewumi urged the leaders to conduct membership drive to increase participation and professional engagement. He also charged them to organize inaugural workshops and training sessions for transport administrators and establish partnerships with state governments and transport-related agencies among others.
In his message to the occasion, the President of CIOTA, Prince Segun Obayendo, expressed gratitude to CIOTA’s leadership, the state coordinators, and all members who have worked tirelessly to bring the vision to life. He urged every member to embrace the new phase with enthusiasm and a renewed sense of responsibility. Obayendo also charged the new exco members to ensure professionalism across the states and that in no distant time, the institute should have chapters across the 774 local governments in the country to complete the journey to ultimate professionalism of the transport sector in Nigeria.
Transport is backbone of national economic development—CIOTA
