CIOTA Set to Unveil Gazette, Advance Professionalisation of Transport Sector

The Chartered Institute of Transport Administration of Nigeria (CIOTA) is set to unveil its Gazette at the 8th National Transport Conference as part of efforts to strengthen professional practice in Nigeria’s transport sector.

The conference, themed “Integrated Multimodal Transport System for Sustainable Development in Nigeria,” is scheduled to hold from October 13 to 14, 2026, at the Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos.

CIOTA announced this on Friday, September 25, during a press briefing held at the Nigerian Railway Corporation Headquarters in Lagos ahead of the conference.

The event is expected to bring together policymakers, regulators, transport professionals, operators, investors, academics, development partners and other stakeholders across the road, rail, maritime, aviation, inland waterways and pipeline sectors.

Speaking at the briefing, the National President and Chairman of the Governing Council of CIOTA, Prince Segun Ochuko Obayendo, said Nigeria needed to move towards a more integrated transportation system in which different modes work together rather than operate independently.

He said better integration of road, rail, maritime, aviation and inland waterway networks could improve the movement of people and goods, reduce logistics costs, enhance safety and support trade and economic development.

Obayendo said the conference would examine issues including multimodal transport integration, urban mobility, logistics and supply chain competitiveness, Intelligent Transport Systems, digital innovation, green transportation, infrastructure financing and public-private partnerships.

Another area of discussion will be professional capacity development and transport governance, with CIOTA expected to highlight the role of qualified professionals in improving transport administration.

The planned unveiling of the CIOTA Gazette is also expected to feature prominently at the conference. The Institute said the document would provide a framework for professional standards and practice within transport administration.

CIOTA further noted that the largely informal nature of some transport activities could affect accountability and the accurate measurement of the sector’s economic contribution. It said greater formalisation could help improve standards and strengthen the sector’s contribution to the economy.

The Institute called on government officials, transport agencies, regulators, operators, logistics companies, manufacturers, researchers, students, young professionals, investors and other stakeholders to participate in the conference.

It also urged the media to support wider public awareness and informed discussion on transportation issues.

CIOTA said the conference would provide an opportunity for stakeholders to examine challenges across Nigeria’s transport system and develop practical recommendations for improving connectivity, efficiency and sustainability in the sector.

By Boluwatife Mohammed