- Hint that courier and logistics industry can boost Nigeria’s GDP by 60%
- Announces plans for CLMI International Conference and Investiture to be held on November 14, 2024
Distinguished Professor Simon Emeje, the executive chairman, Courier and Logistics Management Institute (CLMI), has said the courier and logistics sub-sector can boost Nigeria’s gross domestic product (GDP) by 60 per cent, if fully tapped.
The CLIMI boss said tapping into the industry with assets worth over ₦15 trillion requires regulatory excellence and innovation.
He made the remarks during a press conference to announce His Excellency, Senator Kashim Shettima, Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, as the distinguished special guest of honour to CLMI International Conference and Investiture to be held on November 14, 2024 in Lagos State under the theme: “Unlocking Economic Potentials and Fostering Nation-Building through Logistics Instruments”.
Emeje, the first professor of courier, logistics, transport, and management, expressed dissatisfaction that the full potential of the sector was yet to be tapped, primarily due to governments’ inability to entrench regulations that will drive innovation, investments and growth.
In his words,
“This industry that has such huge assets should have the federal government’s recognition. The country is looking for measures to increase revenue and stabilize the economy. Maybe it has not occurred to policymakers, both at the federal and State levels, that logistics and courier services contribute to economic growth by facilitating the movement of goods and services, which improves supply chain efficiency, reduces costs, and increases competitiveness.
“The logistics sector in every economy employs millions of people more than oil and gas sector, including truck drivers, warehouse workers, supply chain managers, and freight forwarders, amongst others.
“This is why CLMI exists. We are here to assist the system, particularly in helping the government on policies and regulations, while training professionals to remain profitable and ethical. Other countries are already consulting us, but charity they say starts at home. We make bold to say that when logistics infrastructure, such as ports, airports, and customs procedures, are well developed, they enable global trade and economic integration. That way, the logistics industry contributes to national income and foreign investment influx. Courier services play an important role in driving efficiency and meeting customer demands”.
“Out of the N15 trillion worth of assets, just 20 per cent of the combined market of Courier, Logistics, Transport and Management is currently being utilised across Nigeria”.
On skills development in the sector, he said:
“The professionals in these combined areas of courier business are very few in number. We have less than 10 percent of experts that can actually embark on capacity building and proper training that will set the economy in a good shape.”
“There is no sector of the Nigerian economy or the global economy that is not tied to these four areas. The government is looking for money to develop infrastructure, but the money is in our hands. Just we don’t know how to tap them.
Prof. Emeje said that CLMI International Conference and Investiture is being convened as a platform for the regulators and players to discuss issues affecting the industry, adding that as a significant component of the economy, “logistics affects the rate of inflation, interest, productivity, energy costs and availability, and other aspects of the economy.
“Prominent speakers have lined up to address these issues at the CLMI Conference and Investiture, Prof. Emeje said. “We are expecting His Excellency, Vice President of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima as the distinguished Special Guest of Honour; His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, as the Special Guest. The event will be chaired by Prof. Anya O. Anya, former CEO, Nigeria Economic Summit Group, while the current Chairman, African Economic Summit 2024, Dr. Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, is the keynote speaker”.
He listed other special invitees as; Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani; former Minister of Communications, Dr. Adebayo Shittu; Postmaster General of the Federation, Engineer Tola Odeyemi; President, Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC), Mr. Ray Atelly; Founder, Red Star Express PLC, Dr. Allison Sonny; Managing Director, Zenith Carex, Dr. Adelana Olamilekan.
The panelists include; the Provost, ICPC Academy, Prof. Tunde Babawale; President, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Prof. Cyril Usifoh; Director General, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Dr. Shola Obadimu, and Chairman, Maritime and Logistics, NBCC, Dr. Ikenna Nwosu.
About Courier and Logistics Management Institute [CLMI]
The Courier and Logistics Management Institute is the first academic and professional institute with the combination of Courier, Logistics Transportation and Management as one package.
CLMI trains highly qualified couriers, logistics, transport entrepreneurs, and management practitioners that are responsive to customer and socio-economic developmental needs. They achieve this through the capacity building (training) programs as part of the core services, the others being consultancy and professional Membership for industry professionals.
The Institute also offers higher degrees and short programs through its affiliations with Ballsbridge University, UniLag Consult Ltd, and Lagos State University.
The Institute facilitates the issuance of higher degrees such as; PhD, MBA, and MSc programs physically and virtually from any part of the world.
