The Chartered Institute of Transport Administration of Nigeria (CIoTA) has announced plans for its 7th National Transport Conference, scheduled to hold from the 4th to the 6th of November 2025 at the Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja.
The announcement was made today at a press briefing held at the CIoTA National Secretariat in Abuja, presided over by the National President, Prince Segun Ochuko Obayendo, FInstTA.
The conference is themed, ‘*Repositioning Nigeria’s Transport Infrastructure and Governance Mode for Global Competitiveness.’
In his address, Prince Obayendo noted the critical role of transportation as a key enabler of commerce and national development. He lamented the current state of the sector, stating, “Rickety vehicles and boats are not our dream for Nigeria’s transport system. CIoTA has a different dream, one built on professionalism, safety, and efficiency, as obtained in other critical sectors.”
Highlighting the institute’s relentless advocacy, the CIoTA President emphasized the need for robust regulations and policies to drive the nation’s ambition of achieving a $1 trillion GDP. “This cannot be realized without a functional and modern transportation sector. We cannot give up on our advocacy right to demand for what is good and fair for the sector,” he stated.
Prince Obayendo commended the government on promoting Local Government autonomy and clamoured for their strategic role in transportation. “When Local Governments are empowered, they will deliver, as they control over 60% of the roads in the country. This will allow federal and state governments to concentrate on rail and other critical infrastructure.”
On funding, he advocated for increased private sector participation. “Government has no unlimited resources. To move faster as far as infrastructure is concerned, we need to bring in private investors and partnerships. This conference is about letting the whole world know that the government cannot do it alone.”
The conference will feature the Governor of Kaduna State, His Excellency Uba Sani who will discuss the role of subnationals in advancing transport development and share his state’s achievements in the sector.
Significant milestones to be showcased at the event include the Land Transport Policy and the Blue and Marine Economy Policy, which will be dissected for implementation. Additionally, CIoTA will launch two major publications: a Compendium of papers delivered at past conferences as a permanent book of reference, and the African Journal of Transportation.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Professor Samuel Odewumi, FInstTA described the conference as “timely and crucial to the national development aspirations.” He noted that the theme “underscores the urgent need to re-engineer our transport infrastructure and governance systems to meet international standards.”
The conference will feature keynote presentations, technical sessions, and panel discussions designed to dissect the opportunities and challenges within the road, rail, air, water, and pipeline transport modes.
Signed:
Dr.(Mrs.) Chizoba Anyika, FInstTA (National Publicity Secretary – CIoTA)
