The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), Nigeria has solicited and secured the support of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) in advancing to a territorial status for its training in Africa.
CILT National Executive Secretary, Mr. Francis Ehiguese, made the plea when he led executive members of the Institute on a courtesy visit to the NSC headquarter in Apapa, Lagos last Thursday.
He said that upgrading to a territorial status will give the CILT a global advantage, which will impact positively not only on individuals but the Nigerian economy as a whole.
According to Ehiguese, the CILT is obligated to make its intentions known to the NSC being a corporate member of the Institute, adding that the institute can only achieve international strength and competencies with the support of the Council.
“We find it very compelling in paying you this visit and to also tell you what CILT, Nigeria is undergoing. Shippers Council is about the largest membership organisation of CILT in Nigeria, hence we want to tell you that we are doing all we can to upgrade to a territory and once we are a territory, it has a lot benefits to our economy, to the Council and to individuals. However, we would not have all it takes to bring international strength and competencies to Nigeria but we believe the Nigeria Shippers’ Council which is a very important stakeholder will key into this dream of CILT,” he said.
Also speaking, International Secretary General of CILT, Mr. Keith Newton, said that Nigeria is the first country to be given a territorial status because of her contribution to CILT International.
He said that the status will give the Institute more independence especially in the area of training.
Responding, the NSC Executive Secretary, Barrister Hassan Bello, assured the Institute of the Council’s support in its drive to attain a territorial status.
He said: “If CILT is going to become a territory, yes we are going to take advantage of it, I can assure you of that.”
Bello, who was represented by the Director, Finance and Administration, NSC, Mr. Edward Ajia, stated that, while the Council has long participated in training organised by the Institute, there is need for the CILT to upgrade to more advance training.
“What we have right now to me is not having the kind of impact we would have expected. We want to train people in broad areas like short courses in areas that concerns us not just having this professional courses,” he said.
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