By Steve Agbota
The Head of the Corporate and Strategic Communications Department at the Nigerian Ports Authority, Rivers Port Complex, Port Harcourt, Dr. Chijioke Kingsley Ukadike, has said that Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) has repositioned and eliminated touts from transport and logistics sector.
Ukadike stated this while being awarded the prestigious Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) Nigeria’s Presidential Appreciation Award in Lagos.
“Currently, I believe we have made modest improvement in the Nigerian transport and logistics sector. In the past it used to be all comers affair when we had people like Kene Dili Chukwu because all that was not regulated at all. We had some non-challant touts dominating the sector,” he added.
He said the sector has been improved drastically with the institute now having trained professionals coming into it, adding that CILT plays a role in the training and certification of professionals.
According to him, everybody has been given certified international standard training to attain the position they are while the affiliates are still undergoing such training to get them to the full membership and get chartered in the various field of transport and logistics sector.
Speaking on his award, Dr. Ukadike, a Chartered Fellow of CILT and the current Chairman of the Cross River State Branch, expressed his deep honour on receiving the award. He said that his journey with CILT began in 2001 as a graduate member of the Institute of Logistics and Transport (ILT) UK.
Driven by fervent commitment to professionalism in the Nigerian transport and logistics sector, the NPA spokesman said he later transitioned his membership to CILT Nigeria in 2004.
Ukadike further highlights his active role in fostering the growth of CILT, having spearheaded the establishment of the Cross River Chapter where he served as its pioneer Chairman in 2019. He said under his leadership, the Chapter experienced remarkable growth, with a 200 per cent increase in membership within a year, adding that these efforts led to the elevation of the Chapter to a full Branch of CILT in August 2022.
He also highlighted a notable achievement in the Cross River Branch pioneering use of fully electronic elections in 2022, setting a precedent for the National Body’s elections in 2023.
Ukadike expressed gratitude to his employers, the Nigerian Ports Authority, and specifically acknowledged Managing Director Mohammed Bello Koko for support, including sponsorship for his attendance at this year’s National Conference.
Ukadike also thanked CILT’s President, Mfon Usoro, and the entire National Council for the honour, pledging to further contribute to the institute’s mission of promoting best practices and professionalism in logistics and transport.
The recognition, according to the President CILT, Dr. Mrs Mfon Usoro, is a testament to Ukadike’s significant contributions to the logistics and transport sector.