Cross River State is gearing up to host the national body of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport Nigeria (CILT) for a major two-day event scheduled for April 15 and 16, 2026, in Calabar.
The announcement was made following a courtesy visit by members of the institute to the office of the Commissioner for Transportation, Hon. Pastor Ekpenyong Cobham.
Welcoming the delegation, Pastor Cobham, on behalf of the state government, expressed appreciation for the visit and shared his personal connection to the logistics and transport sector, noting that he now considers it a privilege to oversee transportation across land, air, marine, and pipeline networks in the state.
Speaking on the state of the industry, the Commissioner stressed the need for unity among stakeholders, warning that the sector risks decline without collaboration.
“Transportation has reached a point where if we don’t cooperate, it will certainly be degraded. Given how dynamic and strategically important this sector is, we must give it the attention it deserves. It is very imperative that all hands are on deck,” he said.
He used the opportunity to assure the Institute of the state government’s full support for the upcoming event and confirmed his personal attendance.
Cobham also emphasized the importance of professionalism, stating that setting and maintaining standards remains the only way for the transport industry to move forward.
Leading the delegation, the Cross River State Chairman of CILT, Anie Iton, thanked the Commissioner for granting them audience despite the short notice. She highlighted the global standing of the institute, explaining that it operates in over 40 countries and has a growing number of Nigerian professionals as international members.
She noted that the institute’s focus goes beyond logistics to include regulation and professionalism across the entire transport sector, which she described as central to everyday life. She also disclosed ongoing efforts to encourage more Cross River indigenes to join the institute.
Speaking on the forthcoming event, Dr. Iton said it would attract the national chairman and executive members of the institute, describing it as a major gathering of industry stakeholders.
The courtesy visit also drew participation from key maritime stakeholders, including representatives of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), as well as private operators such as FEDOF Shipping and BRIGHTFLOW Shipping, underscoring broad-based support for the institute’s activities in the state.
Irene Bassey
